Childhood Friendships

The gift of childhood friendships is a rich one. For a child to be able to play freely and squeal in excitement with other children is something that will remain ingrained in their memories forever.

There is something magical that happens when you put children together outside. The laughter and imagination that begins to form is contagious and you can't help but sit still and watch as the world becomes theirs.

Tessa loves to play with all children as they are all "her friends" but one of her best buds is a neighbor friend. Although he is double her age, they love to play together and fall into a natural rhythm of chase or exploring together.

Recently she has realized the "damsel in distress" game that she can play that gets his attention (and giggles) every time.

It's the freedom to play and get dirty, the pretend dragons and princesses, the bumblebees and the grass. That's why childhood friendships are so important.

To have someone to play with that understands exactly what its like to be a kid in the here and now.

 

To have someone to make silly faces you can try and copy.

To have someone to tell secrets to.

And, of course, some one to balance out the other side of the board.

Childhood friendships, with whoever and however they form, should be encouraged and enjoyed. But mostly, let free - children know how to play.