TTMA: Toddler behavior with other kids

[liziz]

I think it's pretty normal.

DD will play happily with kids she knows (from our baby group, or from school), but never really gets interested in other kids that she doesn't already know.

Parallel play (next to each other, rather than with each other) is very normal at this age.

[soon2bmrsn]

Yep, what Liz said. It's all about parallel play at this age. No worries!

[anotherdreamer]

DS has always been like that, he's getting better now at 4.5... DD1 does play often with other kids but she is uncommonly more outgoing and people focused. DD2 plays alone even when we go to play areas, she just does her own thing and watches the other kids. All is de are different, but I think it's pretty normal at this age for them to observe and play independently.

[honeybee434]

DD is this way, too. She just stared playing with other kids sometimes in the last couple of weeks, and it's still hit and miss. I also think her being an only child contributes to this as well. She is used to playing how she wants and doesn't have to mess with others.

[mamanorris]

L just fights over trucks with other kids, does that count as playing?