thread: How Often Does Your Toddler/Pre-schooler Play With Other Children?

  1. #1
    Registered User
    Add fionas on Facebook

    Apr 2007
    Recently treechanged to Woodend, VIC
    3,473

    How Often Does Your Toddler/Pre-schooler Play With Other Children?

    I'm curious. I grew up in a small street and played with all the other kids probably on a daily basis.

    We recently moved and if it wasn't for the fact that DD goes to childcare twice a week, she would never play with other kids because we don't know anyone here. Actually, we know one other couple and she and their little boy probably play with each other for 1-2 hours per week which still isn't a lot.

    I'm going to join a playgroup and hopefully get to know more people so DD will have more children to play with outside childcare.

    How about your kids?

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Feb 2007
    In the jungle.
    4,809

    Not very often, and i must admit i do worry about it a little. But we're in a situation where we can't just go and play with kids a similar age very easily. So i'd say once a week or every couple of weeks. Less than ideal, but they are doing ok with it.

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Jan 2007
    7,197

    We go to MG once a week provided we are all well, then we also do a MG fortnightly catch up on a different day, plus they go to creche 2 days a week while I am at work. We also have friends with kids and would regularly see them once a fortnight or so. Iz is a bit shy with other kids now so I think it is really good for her to learn how to play co-operatively with others as she gets older in particular. J is still in that 2 year old land of ME ME ME so no matter where he is, he is fine!

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Jul 2007
    melb
    8,498

    Mothers group once a week, Occasional care 5hrs 1 day a week, swimming lesson 1 day a week and most weeks or at least every 2nd week a playdate with someone whether at there house, park or play centre. We go to the park most days but some days no one else there and some days no kids DS1 age for him to play with.

  5. #5
    BellyBelly Member
    Add Party-of-five on Facebook

    Sep 2008
    bunbury WA
    2,114

    we have playgroup and jitterbugs(music fun) once a week and sometimes on weekends they play with their cousins

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Mar 2009
    2,269

    Is there a park nearby you can go check out? Good place to scope other kids in the area! My toddler (20mo) and I head to the park (bottom of the street) every morning and some afternoons, there is usually other kids between 18mo and 3yrs (it is a very 'toddler' park) who she will play with although occasionally when we go there is nobody else but she is happy to explore alone. We have been going for months (regularly started when DD began walking) so now know the 'regulars' and it is a pretty hassle free way to get some interaction. We usually go down for an hour or two before naptime.

    Other than that, I meet up with a group of Mum's with similar aged kids every 2 weeks and might have a playdate here and there.

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Sep 2005
    In the middle of nowhere
    9,362

    Not often.
    We're newish to town too.
    DD goes to preschool 4 mornings a week and that has been a godsend for her.
    DS is still a bit little to notice that there are other kids besides his beloved big sister.