This material is also available in a PDF format: Friendship development: Resources for families and staff [2MB]
Where can I go for further information?
Raising Children Network
Raising Children Network, funded under the Australian Government’s Stronger Families and Communities Strategy, is a national website aimed at helping families care for their children. Articles on a range of issues relevant to children’s development are available on the website.
- Raising Children Network:
Articles on a range of issues relevant to friendships and empathy are available on this website. Website address details are provided below or click on the ‘grown-ups’ tab to access the articles:
- Preschool friends:
- First friends:
- Friends and peers:
- Feelings: big feelings from little ones:
Australian Psychological Society
The Australian Psychological Society is the largest professional association for psychologists in Australia. It spreads the message that psychologists make a difference to peoples’ lives, through improving their health and wellbeing and increasing scientific knowledge. Tip sheets on a range of topics related to children’s mental health are available at on the website – See ‘Tip Sheets’ in the ‘Publications and Products’ tab (top right-hand side of the home page) for details.
- Australian Psychological Society:
- Tip sheets:
Centre for Community Child Health
The Centre for Community Child Health supports and empowers communities to improve children’s health and wellbeing. It operates clinical services, research and programs. A range of resources and publications are available on the website – See ‘Childcare and Children’s Health’ in the ‘Resources and Publications’ tab on the toolbar on the left-hand side of the page.
- Centre for Community Child Health:
Early Childhood Australia
Early Childhood Australia is the peak national, non-profit, non-government organisation that acts in the interests of young children. They provide a range of options and outcomes to support growth and development of young children. Articles on issues relevant to child development and mental health are available on the website.
- Early Childhood Australia:
Kidscount, developed by the Australian Childhood Foundation, is a website for parents and carers that provides useful information about supporting children’s development. It is available in a range of languages on the website.