Relationships among peers in kibbutz toddler groups

Abstract

Observations of toddlers in Israeli kibbutzim and interviews with their parents and caregivers, indicate that by the end of the first year the toddlers differentiate among the individual children in their residential groups. In addition, the first focused dyadic peer relationships emerge at about one year. Toddlers in focused peer relationships tend to be in the same bedroom in their group's children's house; to be responsive social partners in peer interactions; and to have parents who have formed relationships with the other child in the peer relationship or with that child's parents.