During childhood, relationships children develop can affect them for the rest of their lives. There are many relationships that children have during childhood whether it be school friends, parents, teachers, or distant family. It all has an impact so having secure relationships is important in early childhood and in teenage years.

The first two years of a child’s life is important to their development and future mental health. During this time the brain is developing and at its most adaptable stage. Children’s interactions are very important during this vulnerable time. Relationships with the main caretaker set children’s expectations for themselves and relationships with others.

As children grow up forming relationships in school and in other enviroments is important. Although some with learning disabilities and on the autism spectrum may have more difficulty than their peers. Creating a circle of friends is important for them as around 36% of children with learning disabilities suffer from mental health problems.

Children also look at their parents relationships to set standards for their future relationships. Bad relationships can pass from one generation to the next it is a cycle that can be extremely difficult to break. It can take lot of therapy and time to heal from these relationships.

Overall these early relationships are very important and need to be healthy for positive growth in children. Relationship around children also impact them as they are seeing how others interact with each other. Having healthy relationships and attachment are very important for functioning in everyday life with other people.