[froggy1]

Hi, my daughter was a lot like this. at daycare 3 days a week and very clingy on days off. she'd been going to mothers group since birth which I loved (and she hated - too noisy). When we moved suburbs I tried a new playgroup and it was a disaster. call me silly, but it took me weeks to work out that she really really did not want to go to mothers group or playgroup, she just wanted to spend our days off with just mum. once i gave up on that type of socialisation she was soo much happier. now she is 6.5 she's still shy and quiet - she finds school overwhelming at times. she just gets sick of the noise! it's no problems, its just her personality type. she's found some other little girls (who are pretty low key) to hang out with and she's happy! good luck

Hi, my daughter was a lot like this. at daycare 3 days a week and very clingy on days off. she'd been going to mothers group since birth which I loved (and she hated - too noisy). When we moved suburbs I tried a new playgroup and it was a disaster. call me silly, but it took me weeks to work out that she really really did not want to go to mothers group or playgroup, she just wanted to spend our days off with just mum. once i gave up on that type of socialisation she was soo much happier. now she is 6.5 she's still shy and quiet - she finds school overwhelming at times. she just gets sick of the noise! it's no problems, its just her personality type. she's found some other little girls (who are pretty low key) to hang out with and she's happy! good luck

[Ehill]

I wouldnt worry and certainly would not have her assessed. 4 days in dc is a lot for a 2yo, i would skip the playdates for now and focus on you and her and staying at home on the other day.

[vääräsääri]

How is she when you leave her at daycare and also does she play with kids or along side the other kids there?

And how is she otherwise? This suggestion to get her assessed, did this other mother say it just based on the clinginess or are there other things not quite right, like speech, sleep, eating?

The shy, clingy thing wouldn't concern me too much, especially if she plays well with others in your absence and maybe PPs are right and she's just extra clingy on those days she has you to herself. But if she reacts with near-hysteria to all approaches from other people, rarely warms up to anyone even after prolonged contact, then I'd be inclined to think it's not just normal shyness and might warrant looking into.

With my shy child, the thing that helps her the most is trying to keep the environment familiar when possible - for meeting people, for instance, the same park or cafe regularly, or having friends visit us rather than always going to new and different places. It helps her relax, having something other than me around that's familiar, and she's more able to enjoy the social interactions.

[Natttmumm]

Personally I would NOT worry. If daycare says she is fine there then I would accept that. DD1 was like that until age 4. It really upset me and I really focused on it. I found she was ok with a few particular kids like her cousins and one mothers group friend. Other than that she didnt want to play but was fine at daycare. DD2 is 2 now and is exactly the same if her sister is not there. Im not worried at all and I just go to the playdates and she sits on my lap. Sometimes she plays others not. My advice is dont push her or be upset with her, just comfort her as she needs it. Sounds like she just needs you on your day off

[ssorrrento]

My 3.5 year old is introverted - fine with those he knows well, but slow to warm in new situations and with new people. I'm fine with that, and I just let people know that he's slow to warm - I don't want to label him 'shy'.

I don't expect him to just potter off and play with unfamiliar children - I go with him and stay, gradually removing my self from the situation when he's comfortable.

I tell him it's ok to just watch what's going on until he's ready to get involved - that reduces any expectation on him. I'm finding that it works well.

I think that acknowledging to him how he's feeling, and vocalising it helps him to understand that it's ok to observe for a while.

I think if she's fine at daycare, you just need to work with her in new situations and with new children.

It's not bad to be an introvert.

[Amber Loren'...]

My DD (27mths) goes 2 days to CC, I made a few observations at pick up and voiced concerns to team group leader - i noted she would be playing by herself and just asked her how she interacted through the day. She said was pretty much into her own company but got along with others when needed to. If not interacting more by 3years then maybe start to be concerned but dont panic yet.

We go to MG and have since birth, after first say 1/2 hour will keep to my side but will then join in - not full on but will play and leave my side.

Lately however I must admit i have noticed my DD is more clingy than she normally is to me 'mummy' - perhaps just one of those toddler phases we have to experience but certainly something that I am hoping is only temporary too.

I wouldnt be too concerned and definitely IMO assessment is not required at this stage.