Shel Silverstein Adults recognize that to have a friend, you need to be a friend. A preschooler's thinking is more self-centered, much like the poem above. This is a normal stage of development, and with a lot of help, understanding and encouragement, young children can develop friends in spite of their egocentric stage of life.
Young children learn how to get along with others the same way they learn most things.
The idea of a playmate to share toys and laughter, excitement and special times is the bright side of friends and friendships. The downside is the arguing and hurt feelings, the tears and the jealousy. They learn other children also want the biggest piece and the first turn. They learn other children feel bad when they have to wait or when someone pinches them. Children who only play with adults or older children never have the chance to work out their friendships as equals.