Which statement most accurately reflects what we know about young children's friendships?

A. Toddlers aren't capable of displaying empathy, which is important in developing friendships.
B. It isn't important for young children to have friends as long as they have positive adult relationships.
C. The quality of children's early friendships predicts their later success.
D. Children's friendships are typically very transitory.

my answer is c.

I agree.

Correct! The statement that most accurately reflects what we know about young children's friendships is C. The quality of children's early friendships predicts their later success. To determine the answer, we rely on research and studies conducted on this topic. Researchers have found that the quality of young children's friendships, even in preschool years, can have long-lasting effects on their social, emotional, and cognitive development.

These early friendships lay the foundation for future social interactions, forming the basis for skills such as empathy, communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution. Children who have positive and supportive friendships during their early years tend to have better social skills, higher self-esteem, and are more likely to enjoy positive relationships as they grow older.

On the contrary, children who experience difficulties or negative interactions in their early friendships may struggle with social development later in life, impacting their success in forming and maintaining relationships.

Therefore, statement C best captures the significance of children's early friendships in predicting their later success.

Step 1: Review the options.

A. Toddlers aren't capable of displaying empathy, which is important in developing friendships.
B. It isn't important for young children to have friends as long as they have positive adult relationships.
C. The quality of children's early friendships predicts their later success.
D. Children's friendships are typically very transitory.

Step 2: Analyze the options.
Option A suggests that toddlers are not capable of displaying empathy, which is important in developing friendships. Option B states that young children don't need friends as long as they have positive adult relationships. Option C implies that the quality of children's early friendships predicts their later success. Option D suggests that children's friendships are transitory.

Step 3: Evaluate the statements.
Option A is not accurate because toddlers are capable of displaying empathy, albeit in a limited capacity. Option B is also not accurate because having friendships is important for young children's development. Option C is more accurate as studies have shown that the quality of early friendships can indeed predict later success. Option D may not be entirely accurate as children's friendships can vary in terms of duration and stability.

Step 4: Choose the most accurate statement.
Based on the evaluation, option C is the most accurate and reflects what we know about young children's friendships—that the quality of their early friendships can predict their later success.

Therefore, your answer of C is correct.