How can I help my 3 1/2 year old participate in activities, rather than just watch?

Question

My daughter has always been observant. Watching everything that goes on around her. There is usually a warm up period required before she will start to feel comfortable, and begin interacting. An example: We started her in dance, at her pre-school. She is among children she is familiar with. But, she just stands there, while all of the other children are participating. I have observed her several times, and she is enjoying the class. She comes home, and can repeat the moves. I just don't know how to help her interact and play. I have tried talking to her about why she won't join in this, or other activities... She just looks at me... LOL Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Answer 1

Tell her that she will enjoy it more with others and not on her own.

Answer 2

SHE SOUNDS SO CUTE!

But...this is a sign that she is lacking "confidence" "fear of failure" yes at this early age...

This is what i would do,, have her put on a "show" just for the family, of everything that she is learning in dance class...Have everyone around and paying attention to her...then build her confidence by saying how u wish she would show everbody in class how well she dances!!

Tell her if she continues to practice w/ the other little dancers every day how proud you will be. Have the family support her performance, w/ hugs, kisses, & flowers just like ballerinas do in real life!

Oh & to help her interact better, YOU have to interact better w/ the parents too. You have showed her this example...change for her benefit.

Luv,
Shay

Answer 3

My daughter does the same. It is the core personality traits of a future leader. They tend to observe before they jump in. Which is good. They don't like to make mistakes. I do try to participate, if the teacher will let me, but I find they she comes around on her own. When we get home, I will practice the moves, or songs, etc. with her. Dr Sears talks about this personality in The Successful Child. I highly recommend his books. It tends to guide you towards embracing your childs character and enhancing, rather than changing and molding what it into what is considered "socially acceptable".

Answer 4

Some children at the ages of 2-4 are not quite as interactive and playful as other children. It is common for them to act as you are describing. You could try a smaller playgroup scheduled at a different time with less kids, less noise, less sensory things going on....to see or wait another 6 months and see how age changes things.

Answer 5

I have camped commonly my complete lifestyles. Also, with four youngsters, have performed so much tenting with even toddlers. For an in a single day, it's convenient to over percent. A ebook or 2, crammed animal she likes and a well-recognized blanket and her mattress pillow are well. Also, if Grandma and Grandpa would not have it, ship smore fixings along with her, and be certain there are marshmallow forks there to cook dinner them at the hearth at night time. By the time smores are performed, and so they revel in a campfire, the youngster will likely be virtually competent for mattress.

Answer 6

Try having a few of the girls come over from the dance class. Have them play together and she should be better but it will take time.

Answer 7

Don't push her as more in this case is less. She will eventually lead you to what she likes to do. Don't underestimate 3 1/2 yo's.

Answer 8

maybe if the friends participate in an activity your child will be more interested. itz 1 of those "everyone's doing it" type things!! u never know, he/she might be really good @ it!!!

Answer 9

Lead by example.

Answer 10

she isn't fully developed enough in her mind as exactly how she should react..leave her be, she will do this when she feels more confident , she may be a looker more then a doer