Friendships
Eight-year olds tend to be inclusive. They play with everyone who is in their recess group and are generally kind and helpful to their peers. They will fuss and fight, but hard feelings don't last long. Some girls are starting to be cliquish, so teachers should watch for this and insist that everyone be included. Eight will gladly comply because she she is still accustomed to adult-directed play and rule setting.
Friendships at eight revolve around activities and proximity. Eight's friends will be the children in his classroom, in his neighborhood, at church or daycare, on his team, or in her dance class. Eight is beginning to understand that her friends have families and starts to make sense of other people's family lives. He may spend the night with a friend whose parents are friends with his; or, he may go with a friend's family to a movie or event. But, he feels a bit left out and is happy to return to his family group.
Play dates work best when both children's parents are present, or for a brief outing. Eight wants to have her friend over, but they get bored with each other and a little homesick without a structured, time-limited activity. She is happiest when she's with her own parents and siblings.
First > The Eight-Year Old - Introduction
Child Development - The Eight-Year Old
At Home
At School
At Play
