We just returned from vacation where my 1 yr old was surrounded by cousins, and here at home we go to a playgroup once in a while but he rarely sees the same babies... he has more than enough attentin from me, my husband, grandparents, aunts / uncles, but not really little babies... (by the way, daycare is out of the question -- I'm considering signing up for a little "gym" or tot class....)
My gut tells me a 1 yr old doesn't really need other babies around -- he doesn't play with other babies, they just sort of watch eachother -- but I want to hear other points of view and suggestions. THANKS!
2006-07-25 14:43:56 · 7 answers · asked by Finnale 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
You're right. A one year old doesn't really need too many other babies around. They don't really play with each other at that point, they play around each other. The gym class should be enough for the baby at this time.
Socialization is important, but not until the late 2's or 3. I've seen it with my own son and daughter. They didn't really "play" with anyone until now that my son is in his late 2's. My son mostly played around other kids but now, he has a friend with whom he plays. My daughter is 4 now and recognizing friends and family members, and she actually plays with them now. There's a difference though.
While my daughter can play games and pretend, my son's repertoire of "games" is still limited to roughhousing and throwing cars around. With him, playing with other kids, usually turns into a fight for toys. My daughter is much more sociable, now, at four than she was at two. She is able to share easier, and to speak about her problems, instead of just fight.
You may want to wait on play dates for a while.
2006-07-25 15:03:18 · answer #1 · answered by bitto luv 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A one year old doesn't necessarily need the SAME friends ( he probably doesn't remember them anyways) and no he won't play with kids at this age just near them. Going to a playgroup occasionally is a good idea to get him used to a social environment.
My son didn't have friends that he asked for by name till he was about 4 and started preK. My 2 year old sees the same few kids at play group but he never plays with them he runs around doing his own thing. He actually doesn't even sit down and play with is older brother really, still in the playing next to stage.
2006-07-25 22:04:13 · answer #2 · answered by turtle43761 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that since he's never around other youngsters, play groups would be a good idea to get him accustomed to social interaction with peers his age. Once he reaches preschool age, he might get a little bit of "culture shock" being around so many other children his age who have needs as well. He needs to realize that other children get doted on as well. Learning sharing and communication with other tots might make him a more outgoing little boy.
2006-07-25 21:48:53 · answer #3 · answered by Lydia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my son has been in daycare since he was a newborn and with the same kids all 4 of them are 1 and actually do play together. social interaction with peers is important but a weekly playgroup should suffice.
2006-07-25 23:23:33 · answer #4 · answered by Lisa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think what you are doing is fine. at that age they dont really need friends, they wont actually make any friends until they get older, like preschool age. about signing up for a tot class, that would probably be fun for both of you and i recommend it, but if you dont really want to, it wont hurt your childs social development, what you are doing right now is perfect.
2006-07-25 21:53:43 · answer #5 · answered by krystal 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think they need friends because they are 2 little 2 even under stand. If U have any Friends with a baby then it might
B nice to let them meet :)
2006-07-25 21:50:16 · answer #6 · answered by ~*Jess*~ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT FOR CHILDREN TO INTERACT WITH OTHER CHILDREN, EVEN IF IT'S JUST TO STARE AT EACH OTHER. I STARTED A PLAY GROUP AT 4 MONTHS WITH MY DAUGHTER AND A COUPLE LADIES WITH BABIES THAT I KNEW. AT FIRST ALL THE BABIES JUST LOOKED AT EACH OTHER, AFTER WHILE THINGS CHANGED (ONCE THEY ALL GOT COMFORTABLE.) MY DAUGHTER LOVES HANGING OUT WITH MY HUSBAND AND I, ALSO GRANDPARENTS. BUT WHEN SHE GETS AROUND CHILDREN SHE GETS SO EXCITED. SHE'S 8 MONTHS NOW AND LOVES BEING AROUND CHILDREN HER SIZE AND OLDER. I THINK SHE'S AMAZED THAT THEY'RE PEOPLE IN THE WORLD HER SIZE, SHE LOVES IT!
2006-07-25 22:20:53 · answer #7 · answered by SUMMER H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋