Celebrating International Day of Friendship with Your Little One 

Preschool friendships are some of the sweetest and most important connections your child will make. They begin with shared crayons, playground giggles, and snack-time swaps—but they also play a big role in your child’s growth. Research shows that early friendships help build strong social skills, emotional understanding, and even long-term learning. One study in Early Child Development and Care found that preschoolers with close peer relationships developed stronger communication and problem-solving skills as they grew. That’s why celebrating International Day of Friendship on July 30 is such a great way to talk with your preschooler about kindness, connection, and what it really means to be a good friend. 

What Is the International Day of Friendship All About? 

The International Day of Friendship is all about coming together. Celebrated every year on July 30, this day was created by the United Nations to remind us that kindness and connection can make the world a better place. For preschoolers, friendship can be as simple as giving someone a high-five or saving a spot for them at the snack table. It’s these tiny acts of love and care that lay the foundation for lifelong social skills. 

To spark these conversations at home, try reading How Do Dinosaurs Play with Their Friends? by Jane Yolen or Should I Share My Ice Cream? by Mo Willems. Both books are fun, age-appropriate ways to explore kindness, making choices, and what it really means to be a good friend.  

Fun Friendship Activities You Can Do at Home 

The best way for preschoolers to learn is through play. So when you’re talking about friendship, lean into that natural love of hands-on fun. Friendship bracelets are always a hit. Use string, pasta, or colorful beads, and help your child create something special to give to a friend. While you work together, chat about why they picked that person and what makes them a good friend. 

Another sweet idea? Set up an art corner and let your child make a “thank you” or “just because” card for someone they love. It could be for a neighbor, sibling, or even their favorite teacher. You can also roleplay common situations using dolls or stuffed animals. Practice things like asking to join a game, saying sorry, or including someone who feels left out. 

Teaching Friendship Through the Little Moments 

You don’t need a special day or big plans to teach your child what it means to be a good friend. Some of the best lessons happen during your everyday routines. When your child helps a sibling clean up toys or offers the last cracker to a friend, that’s your chance to say something like, “Wow, that was really thoughtful,” or “You were such a kind friend just now.” These quick, simple moments matter. Kids start to see that their choices make a difference. They feel proud, and it helps them understand how to care about others. 

You can also build empathy with a few easy questions. If you see a classmate feeling left out, try asking your child, “What do you think they’re feeling?” or “What could you say to help them feel better?” These little chats help kids slow down and think about things from someone else’s perspective. 

Being creative together can help too. You might draw pictures of kind things your child has done, or make up stories where they help someone in need. For example, “Your friend is sitting alone at the snack table. What would you say?” or “Someone’s toy just broke. What could you do?” Playing through those situations helps kids practice kindness in a way that feels fun and safe. 

Books are great for this too. Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev is a sweet story about being a good friend, especially when someone feels left out. It’s a gentle way to talk about including others and standing up for what’s right. 

Make It a Special Day with a Playdate or Picnic 

If you want to make the day feel a little extra special, plan a simple picnic or playdate to celebrate. Grab a few snacks, a blanket, and some outdoor toys like chalk or bubbles. Let the kids run, laugh, and play while you enjoy the magic of little friendships blooming. 

You can even bake together and decorate cookies or cupcakes to hand out to friends and neighbors. Little gestures like this help your child feel the joy that comes from giving and connecting with others. It’s a great way to reinforce kindness in a way that feels fun and natural. 

Friendship Grows Every Day at Creative World School 

At Creative World School, we believe that learning how to be a good friend is just as important as learning letters and numbers. In our classrooms, children build real relationships while they play, explore, and grow together. From group storytime to hands-on projects that encourage teamwork, we give children daily chances to build empathy, practice communication, and experience the joy of being part of a caring community. 

If you’re looking for a preschool where your child will feel seen, heard, and connected, we’d love to welcome you in. Find your nearest Creative World School and come see the difference a community-focused early childhood education can make.