How do I get her to play with other kids?
By jureathome
@jureathome (5361)
Philippines
January 18, 2013 3:35am CST
I feel so sorry for my 4 year old. When we lost her last nanny, we haven't been going out of the house often, so she lost touch with those other kids in the neighborhood. Her nanny would take her out and as the nanny enjoys talking and giggling with her nanny-friends, my daughter would also be playing with the other kids. Although, I didn't like the idea of the nanny spending too much time outside and perhaps, gossiping with her friends, I appreciate that it gave my kid time to enjoy her childhood fancies.
However, when the new baby came, I had to stay with her more and most, if not all of the time, we spend it inside the bedroom. We recently started going out for a stroll for just a quick 20 to 30 minutes just to get fresh air and for the kids' eyes to enjoy the sight outside.
When we see the kids playing outside, I would ask her if she wants to play with them. But, she would give me a shy smile and say "No". She said she just wants to play inside, and hopes that her younger sister would grow up sooner, so they could play together.
I feel that this is my fault, because I don't mingle with the neighbors, so she must have gotten that from me.
And, I don't know if she plays with her classmates at school. She does tell me stories of her playing with some of her classmates, but I doubt if those are true, because she doesn't really get much free time to play after school. We would fetch her on time, and so do other parents'.
2 responses
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
18 Jan 13
Why not let some of your nieces and nephews to come over your house during weekends so that your daughter can play with them? I am sure they will all have lots of fun.
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
18 Jan 13
She has no issues playing with her cousins, and she does get to play with them every once in awhile. However, she is not comfortable or doesn't have interest in playing with other kids.
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
19 Jan 13
I see.. so your kid is quite distant when there are other kids around..... She'll get over it. It's just a phase. Just encourage her to make friends and tell her to share whatever abilities that she has with her classmates. Example, if she like drawing or painting, just encourage her to do it and show it to her friends. That should be a start of a friendship.
My third child was also the same was as your child when he was 5 years old. He rarely associates with his classmates as what his teacher have told me. But he outgrew that attitude. Now, he is 12 years old and is a member of a basketball team.
@caopaopao (12395)
• China
20 Jan 13
Hi, friend, it's good for children to play outside and meet more people. I remembered that when my daughter was little, she was a little shy and don't play with the others. But when she was 1 year and 2 months old, as there is no one to take care of her at home, I always bring her to my work place, she met many people there and my co-workers talked and played with her often, so she became outgoing and liked to play with others and also became brave.
When she went to primary school, she was so brave that she became the monitor of her class, and it gave her many chances to train herself in her class.
So take her outside and let her meet people as much as possible. It will do good for her during her growing up.
