The first sign I noticed my daughter had begun to make real friends wasn’t through play, but the repetition of names on the drive home after school. Every happy story she told me included a classmate, from their games together to shared activities. Before I introduced myself to her parents, it already felt like we knew each other. We ended up introducing ourselves during pickup one evening, and that small conversation turned into a friendship between parents as well.
Not only can we plan playdates, but our children have begun to coordinate outfits and bring matching toys to class. Although they’re practically attached at the hip, as parents we have also formed a healthy relationship that has built its own village. We’re practicing depending on someone else, working through disagreements, and cheering another person on, all to round up and be a good friend. Celebree School of Stafford has done a wonderful job of naturally encouraging these relationships through play and opportunities to work together. Through these opportunities, teachers provide opportunities for them to learn to work together and create memories; friendships aren’t forced but created in an environment where kindness and teamwork have room to flourish.
One of my biggest hopes as a mother was that my daughter would be able to form friendships and feel excited to go to school every morning; seeing her run to school excited for her best friend has become one of my favorite parts of the experience. As they grow together through adventures and friendship, they become the building blocks for empathy and confidence…not to mention a lifelong enjoyment of connecting with others!
