At what stage do children typically form peer groups and best friends?

Children typically form peer groups and best friends during the school-aged stage. This period, generally spanning from around ages 6 to 12, involves significant social development where children begin to establish deeper relationships beyond their family. They start to seek companionship with peers and often engage in cooperative play, which fosters friendships.

During this stage, children also begin to understand concepts such as loyalty, trust, and mutual interests, which are fundamental in forming lasting bonds. Social interactions become more structured, and children develop a sense of group belonging, often identifying with specific peer groups or cliques. This is critical for developing social skills, empathy, and an understanding of various social dynamics.

In contrast, during the toddler phase, children are primarily focused on emerging independence and exploring their environment, while in the infant stage, social interactions are limited predominantly to caregivers. Preschoolers may engage in play with peers, but these interactions are often parallel rather than cooperative, lacking the depth seen in school-aged friendships. Therefore, the most appropriate stage for the formation of peer groups and best friends is during the school-aged period.