I have a 4yr old little girl, i live with her and her father. I am currently not working so she stays home with me. My family lives in another city and i really don't have many friends. I feel so bad because i'm the only person she spends her days with and we really don't have a social life i wan't her to play with other children. she plays alone most of the time. her dad is always out. Help! i feel really guilty. is this healthy?
2007-03-17 13:55:25 · 13 answers · asked by blackmamba81 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Look, I'm an only child. I grew up just fine. I can relate to other people but I don't NEED someone to entertain me. I can entertain myself and I don't get bored with myself. That's a good thing. It will also make her more independent.
Don't stress. Just spend time with her and play games with her. It's a good learning experience for her. She'll get to interact with others when she goes to school.
2007-03-17 13:59:50 · answer #1 · answered by Sabina 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My son is 12 and is an only child, (well until Sept. when I am due). He is very well-adjusted socially and has many friends.
When I was pregant with him, I moved to a new town where I didn't know anyone. When he was a toddler, I signed him up for different Parks and Recreation classes like swimming, art, tumbling, tennis, etc. Those programs are usually pretty cheap and not only does your child get interaction with other children his or her age, but you, too, get to socialize with the other parents. My son did not attend pre-school, I prepared him for kindergarten at home, but we attended Children's Story Hour at our local library twice a week for about 3 years. It's free and some libraries include arts and crafts, singing and even dancing after the storytime. Also, just a simple trip to the park is great way for your child to have some playtime with other children. In addition, it gives you a chance to meet other parents that you may find you have something in common with. Then if you wish, you can set up playdates.
Those are the ways I made new friends before I went back to work and before he started school.
2007-03-17 14:25:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I grew up as an only child and I think I turned out very well adjusted. Being an only child actually helped me realize that I don't need to rely on others to help me occupy myself -- I can do it very well by myself. If you still feel that she needs more socialization there are a couple of things you could do. Talk to her father about putting her in pre-school. She's old enough to go there. If you can't afford to pay for a pre-school program, look into Head Start. In the meantime, are there any play groups in your area? They would allow her to play with other children her age as well as allowing you to socialize with the other moms. Also, there's always taking her to the park on days when the weather allows. Chances are she'll find other kids to play with there!
2007-03-17 15:26:06 · answer #3 · answered by Vicky L 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is there anyway you could take her to a daycare? There are lots of kids there that would be her age. If you have a problem paying for it you could go to the DFS place(were u get food stamps and stuff) and they have a thing to help pay for all or most of the cost. You could go play at the local park with her. Alot of kids play there. Espesialy now that it's alomst summer. Take her to the swimming pool in the summer (in the kiddy pool). Or you could go walk around the mall closest to ur area. I know some malls have play areas for little kids(for free). When kids aren't in school, take her to the school playground. I don't do this but I know alot of moms do...........join a play group thing, were the kids play and the moms sit around and talk. You could make friends and your girl would get to play with other little ones. P.S. I wouldn't call it non-healthy as long as she is happy and knows you both love her. If anything, you all could be really close and those relationships are the best to have.
2007-03-17 17:57:16 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my daughter is an only child and since i became a mother i have moved on from many of my single friends who are still partying so i am familiar with your situation i stay at home too but i have always taken her to the park just about every nice day and our mall has a play area for kids that i take her to on the days that it is cold or rainy even if the parent doesnt really socialize much the child has kids to play with and to make it even better it is free so if money is tight it isnt a problem and if you are looking for new friends kids are great conversation starters my daughter will always be an only child but i make sure she isnt alone i was an only child and i got to do so much more in life than most of my friends with siblings but i was always well socialized
i now have a bro that is 17 yrs younger than i am and he is also well adjusted
2007-03-17 16:59:32 · answer #5 · answered by aarika 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's simply the situation she's in at this time in her life. Every situation has its pros and cons. Your little girl will probably be more self-confident because she's not always comparing herself to peers. She will probably be more mature than many children her age because her only role model is an adult. But you could get her involved in some situations that would allow her some play time with other kids. Does your local library have a reading program, or children's activities? Or maybe you could get her involved in some sort of sport like soccer. You may find some friends for yourself as well! Don't feel guilty- enjoy your time with her!
2007-03-17 14:07:32 · answer #6 · answered by BB 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Take her to the park, do something with her where it will allow her to be with other children. My son is an only child, (he does go to daycare) I work the weekends and my bf (his father) takes him to the park Saturday and Sunday. he loves to play with other kids. Maybe you could even try putting her in daycare for half a day a week or something. It will get her around other children and it will give you a bit of time to yourself.
2007-03-18 05:00:27 · answer #7 · answered by scootkat84 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can go to the park and meet new moms. Check to see if the local library has any reading programs for her age. You can also check into some children's musuems. YOu can also enroll her in a daycare a couple of days a week.
2007-03-17 14:17:23 · answer #8 · answered by tabbycat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No my daughter is three and a half and she spends most of her time with me too. That's ok. We're pals. But if you want your little girl to get to hang with some other kids, you can enroll her in the Headstart program through the county. It's free, since you don't have a job. The bus comes to pick her up and away she goes. She'll get to learn lots of new stuff and make new friends too!
2007-03-17 14:05:34 · answer #9 · answered by starlight_940 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Look on yahoo groups for mom/kids groups in your area. I belong to a play group that meets once a week so our kids can socialize.
My daughter is a 3rd generation only child and is totally normal socially. Your daughter will be too! :)
2007-03-17 14:02:41 · answer #10 · answered by Connie B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋