It’s common for parents to carefully choose their children’s friends, but they often overlook how their own friendships can affect their kids. Research shows that the people mothers spend time with can shape their child’s social growth, especially as they grow older.
When a child is young, their world mostly revolves around family. But as they grow, they start noticing how their parents interact with others. A study led by Jennifer Watling Neal, a psychology professor at Michigan State University, found something interesting: children often mirror the way their mothers behave with their friends.
This research involved observing both kids and their mothers in social situations. It was discovered that if a mother has close and supportive friendships, her child is more likely to build positive relationships too. These children usually show more trust and kindness when making friends.
On the other hand, if a mother has conflicts or distant relationships with her friends, her child might struggle socially. They may find it hard to trust others or might feel unsure about how to connect with peers. This shows that children learn social skills not just from how their parents treat them, but also from how their parents interact with others.
Another important point is that kids pay close attention to emotional cues. If a mother appears happy and engaged with her friends, it teaches the child that friendships can be joyful and meaningful. But if a child sees tension or discomfort, they might feel anxious about friendships themselves.
In short, mothers might want to think not only about their child’s friendships but also about their own. Healthy adult friendships can quietly guide children to develop strong, positive social skills. By surrounding themselves with good friends, parents help their children learn how to build their own circle of supportive relationships.
