What guidance should caregivers receive regarding peer relationships in school-age children?

Caregivers should be encouraged to focus on fostering positive friendships and teaching children how to navigate conflicts effectively. During the school-age years, children are developing their social skills and learning to interact with peers outside the family unit. Positive friendships play a crucial role in a child’s emotional and social development, as they can shape their sense of self-esteem and belonging.

Guiding caregivers to support positive interactions helps children learn important life skills, such as empathy, cooperation, and sharing. Additionally, navigating conflicts is a key aspect of forming and maintaining friendships, allowing children to understand differing perspectives and resolve disagreements healthily.

This guidance aligns with the developmental stage of school-age children, who increasingly rely on peer relationships for social learning and identity formation. Encouraging caregivers to be proactive in this area ultimately benefits the child's overall growth and prepares them for future social interactions.