Groups and Development

Excerpt Peer interactions often occur in groups. Children spend an increasing amount of time in these groups as they age. Preschoolers begin to interact with each other around playsets, although these early social groups are loosely organized. It is not until they reach school age that children begin to feel as though they are true members of a peer group. A peer group interacts on a regular basis, provides a sense of belonging, has implicit or explicit norms, and has a hierarchical order. Within these groups, social status becomes important, with some members being more popular and having a greater social impact than others