Plan a playdate together
4–5 yearsEmotional WellbeingMaterials: None (planning activity)
Involve your child in planning time with a friend. Talk about who they want to invite, what activities they might enjoy together, and what snacks to have. Help them think through what their friend might like. This teaches your child that maintaining friendships takes thought and effort. It also shows them how to be a good host who considers others' preferences.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Involve your child in planning time with a friend. Talk about who they want to invite, what activities they might enjoy together, and what snacks to have. Help them think through what their friend might like. This teaches your child that maintaining friendships takes thought and effort. It also shows them how to be a good host who considers others' preferences.
Why It Works
Explicitly teaching friendship skills helps children navigate the increasingly important peer relationships at this age. Students with better peer relationships show 25-30% better academic engagement and classroom participation. (Source: Wentzel, K. R. (2017). Peer relationships, motivation, and academic performance at school. In A. J. Elliot, C. S. Dweck, & D. S. Yeager (Eds.), Handbook of competence and motivation (pp. 586-603). Guilford Press.)
Tips for Parents
Guide your child to think about their friend's interests. Ask "What does your friend like to play." or "What makes your friend happy."
After the playdate, talk about what went well. Say "You shared your toys nicely." or "You helped your friend when they needed it."
Materials Needed
None (planning activity)
Learning Methods
Cooperative LearningProject-Based and Thematic LearningStructured Academic Learning
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