When do kids start to prefer some kids to others?

Question

My son is 5 and is happy to play with mostly everyone. When will he start to be more choosey and talk about certain kids over others? I'm just curious- I know all kids are different-- just wondering what your experience has been. Thanks!

Answer 1

I have seen it as early as 2 to 3 yrs of age. You child maybe a social butterfly who is happy to play and talk with everyone. He will have an active social life and have lots of friends. Other children find one or two friends who are close and play only with them. It really depends on your childs nature- introvert or extrovert

Answer 2

some kids are always open like that. My cousins little boy pretty much loves to play with any kids around his own age group, sometimes older than him too.  My boys though can be a little different and from about 6 months up they have been a little different with each kid they have around them but over all they still at 3 and 6 years old play with any kid that will play with them.  

Answer 3

My oldest is ten and still isn't choosy. She would play with anyone that laughs. Absolutely anyone.

My youngest is 6 and she barely wants to play with any other child. She thinks they are all annoying and get in her space. She has all but one actual friend, and a bunch that would love to be her friend.

In actuality, I would love if my kids were never "choosy." I encourage them to play, talk and chat with all kids, unless they are a bad influence or harmful to them. My oldest started ditching bratty friends in about first grade, if that's what you mean. She wouldn't play with anyone "mean" to her, but everyone else is fair game.

Answer 4

normally when school starts and they get into the grouping stage which is around 2nd grade. my daughter is in the 4th and she just has to be in the popular groups if not she will try to beat them up instead.