Hi there, just needing some advise here.

We met with DS's prep teacher - we are NSW so Prep is a pre-school year - who said that DS will play alongside other kids but actually not really interact 1 on 1 with other kids. She said he is social but is happier to play by himself or next to another child - but not actually play with them - therefore they don't know much about his conflict resolution skills as he doesn't really interact. She said this could be his age, getting used to a new pre-school environment (having only had 7 weeks there) or a developmental milestone yet to be reached. At his old pre-school he really only had one other boy he played with and they were introduced to each other by the director. At his current school I think they just watch how the kids play without interfeering (sp) and I guess throughout his school like there won't be people helping him make friends in the playground. He does have neighbourhood friends of around his age - but then I guess we see them often and he goes to their house and visa versa.

I do look at the signon book and am getting to know kids names and ask him 'did you see (or play with) so and so', or 'who did you play with/have lunch with today' and generally the answer is nobody or everyone - as they do eat together.

I guess my question is - is parallel play common for a 4yr old (born early Feb), how can I encourage him to interact with other kids. DS is very sensitive and wouldn't really play with the rough and tumble kids - and his teacher mentioned that DS isn't really rough and tumble or very outgoing - but is very courteous and polite.

He does seem very happy at his school but does get annoyed with me when I ask about friends. He is keen to go and seems very stimulated there.

I hope I've made some sense here.

Thanks, Jo.

My son, who is 3 in June, did this when he was about 2 ish. Having said that all children are different. He shares and interacts more now (but that could be due to his sister ). Some children are just happier playing by themselves IYKWIM.

I wonder if he simply prefers to play alongside others? Perhaps it isn't anything to do wiht development but his personality. My brother was a bit of a loner at school -he'd just walk around by himself when he was in kindergarten. He also had friends when growing up but enjoyed his own company. To this day he is quiet but it hasn't stopped him making friends/girlfriends, or obtaining employment - he's very well adjusted. Some people are just more comfortable with themselves.