Doesn't interact with kids at school

[grk2012]

DS is super-chatty, friendly, and outgoing...with grown-ups. He doesn't seem to interact with other kids, though. This is at school (he's been going 3x a week for almost 4 weeks now) and at church. He'll play with other kids if he has to, but seems to linger on the edges more often than not.

When he hears that it's time to go to school, he complains and says "But kids take toys from me, even when I use my nice words!" It was the same with daycare, where he was from 15mo-4yrs.

Only-child mom guilt is rough. Suggestions for how we can get him to play more with other kids, and not talk the teachers' ears off all day? I hate logging into the closed-circuit cameras and seeing him sitting under a play structure alone. :-(

[nancybotwin]

What are the teachers doing to facilitate play? I would expect them to be aware of the situation and trying to engage him in partner/group play.

The other thing I might suggest is to help him find just one person he really likes (to start). Maybe have a playdate outside of school or do something else to help him feel like he has someone to play with. And from there he can expand his social circle.

I know it's heartbreaking. Good luck!

[grk2012]

Playdate--good idea.