Final answer:
The primary benefit for 3-year-old friends like Raul and Raymond is the enjoyment of carrying out shared activities. As children age, their engagement with friends evolves to include support, shared activities, and intellectual stimulation, with teenagers spending more time with peers, often engaging in social and learning activities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Raul and Raymond are 3 years old, and the main benefit they get out of being friends is likely a) The enjoyment of carrying out shared activities. At this age, children are developing their social skills and enjoyment comes from simple interactions and play. Playing in a sandbox, for instance, as shown in Figure 8.3.3, is not only fun for young children but also helps them learn about the world around them. Friends at this age engage in parallel play where they play alongside each other, often engaging in similar activities. As they grow older and enter school age, as described from ages six to ten, they might start enjoying mixed-gender play and the company of peer groups, developing cooperative skills and the capacity for shared activities and emotional support. For instance, participating in sports or other group activities encourages cooperation and sharing, which is beneficial for their social and emotional development.
By the time children reach their teenage years, peer interactions and friendships play a notable role in their socialization. Teenagers, often, spend more time with one another than with family members, which can be seen in the example of teens volunteering together at a charity event. They provide a social network, emotional support, and opportunities to challenge beliefs and prejudices, contributing significantly to their personal growth and well-being.