A sweet, funny, and slightly humbling reminder that kids often do connection better.
Kids don’t overthink friendship. They don’t wait for the perfect moment, craft the perfect text, or wonder if they’re being too much. They just go for it. And honestly? We could all use a little of that energy.
Here’s what kids know—and what grown-ups sometimes forget:
🧃 1. Friendship starts with “Wanna play?”
No backstory, no credentials. Just a shared moment and an open invitation. Adults could stand to ask “Wanna hang?” a little more often.
🖍️ 2. Weird is welcome
Kids don’t hide their quirks—they celebrate them. If you like frogs, glitter, or pretending to be a mailbox, you’re in.
🌟 3. Different Is Normal
Kids don’t need you to be the same—they just need you to be real. They celebrate the kid who wears mismatched socks, invents new words, or brings seaweed to lunch. To them, “different” means “interesting.” And that’s a beautiful thing.
🧠 4. Questions build connection
Kids ask real questions: “Do you believe in aliens?” “What’s your favorite smell?” “Would you rather have spaghetti hair or marshmallow feet?” They skip the small talk and go straight to the good stuff.
And if they need a little help getting started, hand them a copy of My Friends and I. This friendship book is packed with simple, real questions that spark laughter, curiosity, and connection. As the book travels from friend to friend, each kid fills out a couple of pages with fun facts about themselves—turning everyday answers into a keepsake of personalities and memories.
🧸 5. Friendship is fast
Kids don’t need five coffee dates to decide you’re cool. One shared laugh and boom—you’re besties.
🎨 6. Art is a love language
Drawings, notes, bracelets, stickers—kids give tangible tokens of care. It’s not about perfection, it’s about presence.
🪩 7. Inside jokes are sacred
One weird moment becomes a lifelong reference. Adults forget how powerful shared silliness can be.
🧃 8. Proximity matters
Kids don’t wait for the perfect friend—they connect with whoever’s nearby. The kid next to you might be your next great connection.
🐸 9. Forgiveness is fast
Fights happen. Feelings get hurt. But kids move on quickly—because the game’s still going and friendship matters more.
🧦 10. Showing up is enough
You don’t have to fix anything. Just be there. Sit next to them. Offer a snack. That’s friendship.
💌 11. Saying “You’re my friend” is normal
Kids say it out loud. Often. And it never feels weird. Maybe it’s time we did too.
So what now?
Let’s borrow a little magic from the playground. Ask the weird question. Send the silly text. Say “You’re my friend” out loud.
Because connection doesn’t need polish—it just needs heart.
Photo by Alexandr Podvalny on Unsplash