- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- preschoolers today articles
- preschoolers today q&a
- children today articles
- children today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Expert Q&A
 |  |  |
| By Harriet S. Worobey, M.A. Early Childhood Educator Director, the Nutritional Sciences Preschool | ||
 |
My overly-affectionate child complains the other children in his preschool won't play with him. Should I talk with his teachers?
I would definitely mention it to the preschool teachers. Hopefully, they can work with him during this year on social skills that will make things easier for your child when he hits kindergarten. You didn't mention his age, but do remember that young children of 2 and 3 enjoy playing next to each other but aren't really mature enough to play WITH each other. I would suggest that you get some storybooks from the library on making friends and playing with friends. I would also suggest that you do some role-playing with him when you are playing with him: use dolls, action figures, etc., to play pretend school. Have him be himself and you another little child. Have the other child say, "You know, I really like playing with you, but I don't like being hugged and squeezed," etc. If your child's school has an observation room or any way that you can observe your child without being seen, try to take that opportunity to see what's going on first hand. Then talk to the teachers about what to do. Another suggestion would be one-on-one play dates. Try to make friends with another parent at the preschool and see if she and her child can come over to play at your house. Sometimes those positive play experiences will carry over to school. I know that it is difficult to see your child being rejected. Try to get a pro-active attitude to help him gain the social skills that he will need in the future.
Related Expert Q&A
- What can I do to help ensure that my daughter is potty trained in order to start preschool?
- My 4-year-old daughter recently started preschool and she won't play on the playground with the other kids during recess. How can I help her want to participate?
- My 4-year-old runs away from me when I pick him up from preschool. How do I handle this?
- My son starts preschool soon. I am having a hard time teaching him things he needs to know. He gets very frustrated. What should I do?
- A child in my daycare cries often at minor instances and demands that his mother be called to get attention. How can I get him to stop creating situations where he feels that he needs to lose control?
More Answers by this Expert
- We have two boys and are expecting another baby in April. What is the best way to share the news with them?
- What are some signs of stress to look for in a child's behavior when dealing with the death of a family, friend or relative?
- Is it OK for preschool-age children to drink high protein drinks for breakfast?
- I tried to interview a preschool teacher once, but she was too busy with the kids. Should I just forget interviewing her since she is obviously so focused on the kids?
- How do I ease separation anxiety in my child when I drop him off at preschool?