Helping Your Child Build Friendships at Jabberwocky Nursery in Street
Supporting confidence, cooperation and connection during the early years
September is a time of new beginnings. For some children, it may mean starting nursery for the first time, while others are returning after the summer ready to see familiar faces and meet new friends. These early experiences help children develop the social skills they will use throughout childhood and beyond.
At Jabberwocky Nursery in Street, children are supported as they begin to understand the ‘social’ side of the early years. Making friends does not happen overnight. It grows through small moments: playing alongside another child, sharing resources, waiting for a turn, joining a group activity and discovering that nursery is a safe place to belong.
Why early friendships matter
Young children are still learning how to express their feelings and understand the feelings of others. Friendships give them opportunities to practise listening, communicating and cooperating in a natural, enjoyable way. Through play, children begin to learn that other people may have different ideas, preferences and emotions.
Social confidence is not about expecting every child to be outgoing. Some children are naturally chatty, while others prefer to observe before joining in. Both approaches are perfectly normal. The most important thing is that children feel secure enough to take part at their own pace.
Helping your child learn to take turns
Taking turns can be difficult for young children because they are still developing their understanding of time, patience and fairness. Parents can support this learning through simple everyday activities.
Use short, clear language. Try phrases such as ‘Your turn, then my turn’ or ‘First we build, then we swap’.
Practise during familiar games. Rolling a ball, building a tower or taking turns to add pieces to a puzzle can make waiting feel manageable.
Use a visual cue. A timer, song or simple object can help children understand when a turn is ending.
Notice their effort. Praise the behaviour specifically: ‘You waited while your friend had a go. That was kind and patient.’
Keep expectations realistic. Children may need reminders and support many times before taking turns becomes consistent.
Encouraging first friendships
Parents do not need to arrange complicated activities to help their child make friends. Simple opportunities to play near other children can be valuable. At the park, library, soft-play centre or a family gathering, encourage your child to notice what another child is doing and suggest a gentle way to join in.
You might say, ‘They are making a tower. Would you like to build one too?’ or ‘You could ask whether they would like to play with the cars.’ If your child is hesitant, avoid putting pressure on them. Watching, smiling or playing alongside someone can be an important first step.
How nursery helps children feel secure enough to socialise
Children are more likely to explore friendships when they feel emotionally safe. A calm welcome, familiar routines and responsive adults can help children settle and develop trust. Once children know where they belong and who they can turn to for support, they are better placed to explore the environment and connect with others.
At Jabberwocky Nursery, everyday experiences such as free play, stories, creative activities and group games can provide opportunities for children to communicate and cooperate. Practitioners can model friendly language, help children solve disagreements and support them in expressing their needs respectfully.
Parents can reinforce this progress by talking positively about nursery, asking open questions and listening carefully to their child’s experiences. Instead of asking only, ‘Did you have a good day?’, try questions such as ‘Who did you play near today?’, ‘What made you smile?’ or ‘Did you help anyone?’
A gentle start to social confidence
Every friendship begins with a small connection. With patient encouragement at home and a secure, supportive environment at nursery, children can gradually learn how to join in, communicate their feelings and enjoy being part of a group.
This September, celebrate the small steps. A wave at drop-off, a shared game, a kind word or a willingness to wait can all be signs that your child is developing the social confidence they need to flourish.
About Us:
Jabberwocky Children's Nursery is a Nursery and Preschool dedicated to providing the best that an Early Years setting has to offer in a colourful, spacious, purpose-built environment. We believe in creating magical places for children and engaging children’s curiosity and imagination to inspire lifelong learning in a safe, loving, enabling environment. We embrace the fact that all children are unique and special and we strive to offer a programme of care and education that not only ensures children experience all areas of the ‘Foundation Stage Framework’, but that also appeals to every kind of learner.
Jabberwocky is easy to get to from Street and also Glastonbury, Butleigh and Meare. So if you are looking for a Day Nursery in Street or looking for a Day Nursery in Glastonbury or other local Mendip Somerset towns, then please come and see us!
Visit the Jabberwocky Nursery website at: www.jabberwockynursery.co.uk
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