What is a developmental characteristic of friendships in childhood?

Friendships in childhood are characterized primarily by their foundation on common interests. As children grow, they begin to seek out peers who share similar hobbies, activities, or preferences, which helps them to develop social skills and learn important lessons about cooperation and empathy. This stage of friendship usually emphasizes play and shared experiences rather than deep emotional connections or long-term commitments, which gradually develop in later stages of life.

During childhood, friendships are less about fulfilling emotional needs in the way romantic relationships do and are more about engaging in collaborative play and activities that reflect mutual interests. Establishing partnerships with adults typically does not provide the same level of social fulfillment as peer friendships during these formative years. While children may still rely on their parents, this strong dependency on parental figures tends to decrease as they enter school and begin to socialize more with peers, further reinforcing the significance of friendships based on shared interests during this developmental stage.