Families For Life | Toddlers Making Friends
Creating Space for Play
Whether you’re hosting a playdate, attending a family gathering or taking your toddler to a playground to play, these activities create opportunities for your child to be around other children and build their social skills.
Wherever you are, try not to be overly structured about how the play unfolds. Toddlers engage best when they're free to explore at their own pace. Your role is simply to create the opportunity and let things happen naturally.
If your toddler struggles with sharing or turn-taking, try activities that encourage parallel play. painting, building blocks, or playing on their own playground equipment alongside other kids. This allows children can enjoy being in the same space as each other without the pressure of taking turns.
During any kind of play, stay nearby without hovering. Stepping in too quickly can reduce opportunities for toddlers to navigate small situations or hiccups on their own.. Having snacks on hand is always a good idea too. It keeps the mood light and the children contented.
When Things Get Tricky
Conflict between toddlers is normal and an important way they learn how social interactions work.
During playdates, toy disputes are often the most common friction point. Rather than insisting that they share immediately, try acknowledging both children’s feelings and introducing the idea of waiting: “Jamie is playing with that now, when she’s done, it will be your turn. Let’s find something fun to play with while we wait.”
Shyness may be uncomfortable or awkward at first but try not to force your child to engage before they feel ready. Some toddlers prefer observing before joining in. This is normal. Give your child time to watch and become familiar with new people or environments. Celebrate small steps, such as waving hello, sitting near another child or joining an activity for a few minutes.
Staying calm yourself and keeping the atmosphere relaxed is a good way to help your child ease themselves into the situation, especially if they are new to the arrangement.
Building friendships is a gradual process that unfolds over many small everyday interactions. With patience, encouragement and opportunities to play, your toddler will slowly develop the confidence and skills needed to connect with others. Remember that every child progresses at their own pace, and small steps are worth celebrating.
How to Prepare Your Toddler for Social Interactions:
Toddlers can develop social skills in many settings, including childcare centres, playgrounds, family gatherings, community activities and playdates. At this age, your toddler doesn’t understand yet that making friends requires skills like sharing and turn taking. You can help your child practice these skills by playing together and modelling kindness and respectful communication.
Narrating simple phrases to your child as you play, like “Now it’s your turn!”, “Shall we share this and play together?”, or “Thank you for sharing! That’s very nice of you.” can help expose your child to these situations early and teach them how to respond. This requires repetition and patience, so don’t worry if it doesn’t click immediately.
You could also help your child build their friendship skills by using stuffed toys to role play. Have toys ask your child politely for things or ask your child to take care of the them while they play. It may also be useful to introduce simple picture books about friendship and sharing, as toddlers absorb a lot of information through books.
If your child attends childcare or preschool, teachers can be valuable partners in supporting friendships. Consider checking in with educators about how your child interacts with peers and ways to reinforce social skills at home.