While growing up, the type of friends that children have are very important. These friends can have an influence on the children which is why it is imperative that parents ensure that the friends are a good influence.
Friends influence a lot of behaviours in children. Firstly, they influence what each other might play, watch, or read, which in turn will affect their thought processes. In school, kids will hear about the most popular games, shows or books and will develop an interest in playing, watching, or reading them. If two friends like the same hobby, like games, for example, it is very likely they will share with each other the newest, most interesting games. My friend and I who both loved reading while growing up, always shared books we liked with each other, and we continue to do so to this day. These books I grew up reading definitely had an influence of how I used to think and how I grew up. Moreover, friends also influence the personality of each other. If children join a group of friends who are bullies, it is very likely they will be pressured to do the same since they might be afraid of losing their friends. I know classmates who are genuinely good people but joined groups of friends that are slight troublemakers, and they eventually became one themselves. Therefore, friends can influence the actions and personalities of each other which will eventually affect their future. This is why parents need to ensure that their children’s friends are a good influence.
One of the ways in which parents can ensure how their children’s friends are is by meeting them and their parents. For instance, parents can set up playdates with their children’s friends and see how they interact with each other. This way they can get a good understand of the friend’s personality and also how much influence they have on each other. Additionally, they can also meet with their parents to see the kind of people they are. If the parents are good people, it is likely that their children are raised well. Another way is to ask the children or a third-party adult about these friends. It is natural for parents to ask about their children’s friends. This need not be complex questions, just a “what did you and your friend do today during recess?” is enough to get an understanding of the situation. Not only that, but parents can also ask teachers or other parents who have children who are friends with the same child how he or she is. This will also give an understanding to the personality of the friends of their child.
In conclusion, the friends that children have are important. They can influence the behaviours of the child. Which is why it is important for parents to have an understanding of the influence these friends have on their children.