The investigation of the ontogenetic friendship origin presents conceptual and methodological difficulties. This article investigated how mothers of children between one and three years old perceived their children's first friendships. Twenty mothers between 24 and 48 years old were interviewed based on a pre-established script. Results indicate that the mothers' concept of friendship was very positive. Their children's friends network was formed by children from the family, neighborhood or religious communities. The main activity shared with friends was playing. Mothers facilitate the encounter of their children with friends or potential friends and served as mediators between socio-cultural patterns and friendships, contributing to the construction of these friendships in accordance to socio-cultural expectations. The first friendships were identified at around 18 months. It is concluded that mothers actively participated in the formation of their children's first friendships.
Friendship; Childhood; Mothers; Interpersonal relations
