Socialization issue?

[ljgs1010]

I'm pretty positive that at this age parallel play is still completely normal.

I think there's also a big difference in socialization for kids that are 15 months, and kids that are 2.5+. I know I've seen a HUGE change in my nephew's behavior between a year and 2 years.

Is the DCP concerned?

[88sharonlee]

We had our first play date a few weeks ago and all three girls (11 months - 14 months) mostly played by themselves and screamed/cried when another tried to steal their toy!
It's adorable when I hear people say that their LO has a best friend but I wouldn't stress if that's not happening right now for S.
He's happy and playful at home so maybe the older kids are just a little scary and rough for him right now.
I'm sorry your stressed about it.

[88sharonlee]

Also I feel you on how hard it is to find good social opportunities right now.
Everyone I know with older kids says it gets a lot easier when the kids are school age.

It's hard to find the right people and make time on the weekends right now.

[finnaroo]

B is like this. She's painfully shy. At the party today, it took her the entire two hours to play with a little boy that she's played with several times. She's better with only one or two other kids and gets overwhelmed with anything more than that. Maybe Si is the same way.

I wouldn't stress about it too much at this age. For all they act like big kids, they're still babies in many ways.

[ljgs1010]

Hugs, Katie. It sounds like the bigger kids are a bit intimidating to him. If you're concerned, you could call the pedi for some reassurance - it's probably just going to take getting older for him to grow out of it.

[LizInFL]

I think it's really normal. We're in a weekly playgroup (B is probably the youngest, oldest is 3ish?) and for the most part, it's all parallel play. B typically hangs back with me for a couple minutes before he warms up and ventures into the fray, and even then he's mostly on his own. He'll approach another child if they're playing with something he finds interesting, but that's about all. He doesn't take toys (yet) from other kids, nor does he really engage with them. Once he let a 2 year old comb his hair, which was really sweet and surprising.

But generally, as finnaroo said, they're really still so young, despite seeming so grown up in comparison to just a few months ago

[Guster]

Same here. Josie goes to the gym daycare two or three times a week for an hour or so, and she's always playing near other children, but never with anyone. Unless, it is one of the adults who is engaging her.

[mamasoup030]

From my experience this is normal, when I pick up and drop off at daycare, I see lots of parallel play happening, very little interaction beyond stealing toys from each other. I have also observed this when we are one on one with friends kids. But that's just my experience. I agree that speaking with your pediatrician should give you an idea of what's normal and reassurance , have you had your 15month check up yet? I encourage you to ask then!

I'm so sorry you are dealing with this Katie, you are such a strong advocate for Silas. It's tough, but please don't be discouraged- you are doing a great job!!! It will work out and he will adjust!!! And you will be there cheering him on, because you are great! Hugs!!!!

[kfran84]

Katie, as others have said, parallel play is pretty normal at this age. My LO doesn't give a shit about other kids unless they are in his way or stealing his toys. Our friend's 22 month old was trying to play with LO and LO just kept running away.

At the playground today, the only thing he did was tell another kid "no, no!" like the way we have taught him to tell the dogs not to take his cookies. We left after that.

[kfran84]

Also, ILY

[cagoldi]

I wouldn't be concerned. It makes me sad to hear that the DCP is feeling like he is unhappy a lot of the time, but it doesn't sound like this is a Silas problem. He probably just doesn't feel comfortable enough to play with the older kids.

Also, as far as him being kind of down, the kids all get super irritable right before they start really walking. They are frustrated because they know they want to do it but can't manage to take off quite yet. I think it would be especially frustrating for him being around so many kids that are already walking because they are so much older, wanting to join in and run around but not being able just yet. I think as soon as he is just a little more mobile he will be a lot more content. A's little friend at DC is a few months younger than him, and he was just miserable all day long once Atticus was walking because he couldn't keep up and felt left behind. Every since he started walking also he's been a happy guy, always smiling and chatting.

[calishove]

I think this is really normal. V is the opposite, he is always trying to play with other children, even children who are much, much older. I've always thought my kid was the weird one. Most of his playmates who are a similar age are scared of him and cry, especially when he is loud!