School is the most important social network for children there is. As children move from infants to primary to high school, the importance of their friendships increases, almost proportionally to their independence. Children need the friendship of peers to develop their own sense of identity. The stronger their sense of self, through healthy attachment to their parents and extended family and identification with their values, the healthier their interaction with their peers – other children like them, of their age, from whom they will learn other world views and brush against other value systems. Thus, changing schools is a big deal. Meeting new kids, leaving behind the familiar ones.
Clinical Psychologist, Prof Amanda Gordon, looks how parents can support this milestone. Follow this link to read the full article.
