Do You Find It Hard For Your Child To Interact In A Group Situation?

Misty - posted on 01/31/2009

Yes my little girl has a hard time in a group of friends..She so bad wants to play with them but really does not know how. Her play mate's are three sisters, two of them twins and they tend to gang up on her some. It make's me so mad..but I try and stay out of it as much as I can and let her stand up for her self...Though I let them know I'm always in ear shot.

Angi - posted on 01/28/2009

My son is pretty quite and reserved in nature. When he is around his friends at school and in sports he is not so quite. His teacher told me that sometimes he talks too much. But, when he is around adults, he is just the opposite. I sometimes have to really push him to have a conversation with me or other people. When he is tired, upset or mad it is impossible to get anything out of him.

Both his father & I are pretty reserved also. I keep my feelings inside mostly. I just figured it is in the genes and he has inherited this trait from me.

Natalie - posted on 01/27/2009

My child has been exposed to friend groups since birth and is still reserved the first 20 minutes in every situation. We try and brief her about what is to come before we arrive. We also try and go a few minutes before everyone if it is a public event birthday or party. She opens right up after about 20 minutes. We have also tried to give her ice breaker ideas to go up to other kids. Of late (she is 9) I have also been trying to get her to do more independent things. Ask where a bathroom is at a public place, order her own sandwich at a store, purchase something while I stand back from the scene. This has been a wonderful confidence builder and helps with other group interaction.

Carolyn - posted on 01/27/2009

my son is now 20 months old and loves to play with other kids.  he goes to a wonderful day home once or twice a week and loves it.  he gets a little upset at me when it's time to go home.  the last few months when i drop him off, i get him out of his outdoor stuff, put him down and he climbs up the 2 stairs stands up, looks at me and says byebye and waves, then wonders off into the other room to play with the kids.

Kimberly - posted on 01/26/2009

Yes, I also see that with my daughter. When we get in that situation she likes to sit back and watch everyone.. I try to get her to go over and do the activities, but she would rather be with us adults instead.

Cortny - posted on 01/25/2009

Hello, I think all kids have a hard time interacting in group situations when they are very young. I knew that we were only going to one child, fertility issues, and knew that I was going to have to try to get her started on group activities at a young age. My church offered a 2 year old sunday school class which was a great way to start off. At the beginning of the year none of the kids would play together, but by the end of the year they were sharing very well. I also made sure I put her in pre-k for 3 year olds this year and that's been amazing. I think you know your child best and it just might be his personality or maybe he just needs more time to get comfortable.

Sarah - posted on 01/24/2009

My daughter is 3 and I have been concerned about the same thing myself.  She doesn't like to share anything.  She has just started at school so I am hoping this will sort things out!

Michelle - posted on 01/12/2009

That's good to know that she is becoming more outgoing as she gets older. How old is she now?

Kristy - posted on 01/12/2009

Yes Michelle.  My daughter is a bit reserved in the group setting but ususally warms up a bit after some time, especially if it's a familiar group.  I see this getting better the older she gets.  I think I am just trying to take as many opportunities as I can to expose her to this situation.  It probably doesn't help that I stay home with her through the week so she's with adults most of the time!

User - posted on 12/30/2008

Maybe it's not even that he's an only child. Some kids are and will be shy by nature. Or maybe he just enjoys his parents more than he does other company.

Does he have other social activities besides school? Some sport, maybe?

Michelle - posted on 12/30/2008

Thanks! My son is 8 and half years old.

User - posted on 12/30/2008

Hi.
How old is he? My daughter was so when very young, but school helped a lot. Right now she is 5 and will run away from me into any group and just chat with anybody. Maybe it's a matter of time?