Really worried about toddker’s socialisation

[CathyandHeathcliff]

My DS is 18 months and I’ve been awake most of the night worrying about this.
It may seem a small thing in the scheme of things, but I’m really worried about the lack of socialisation he is getting. I know there will be many his age in the same boat, but lots already have siblings. DS is an only child.
I know things like playgroups and toddler groups probably won’t re open any time soon due to social distancing and DS doesn’t attend nursery either.

Am I worrying unnecessarily?

[sleepismysuperpower1]

It will be okay. Your dc have lots and lots of time to socalise when this is all over so a few months of not really socializing won't do much harm. Would you join some online classes? toddle up and sign are offering free classes on wednesdays and saturdays, you can do that with your dc and will be able to see other mums and babies x

[NoMorePoliticsPlease]

Yes you most certainly are!

[Kokeshi123]

a few months What if it goes on and on, though?

[sleepismysuperpower1]

@kokeshi123 I'm not sure. I guess we have to work on the basis that we will have at least some resemblance of normality/ be allowed out more in a few months.

[CathyandHeathcliff]

@Kokeshi123 that’s my worry. I think months would be fine, but if it continues into a year or 18 months with no social interaction with other children, then what? I feel so hopeless today and like there’s no point to it all.

[SnuggyBuggy]

I agree. Mine is young enough that I'm not worried for now but if it goes on and she starts pushing 3 with nothing changes then it's going to really negatively impact her. I'd at least like to be able to take her to the park or a friends house.

[CathyandHeathcliff]

@SnuggyBuggy I think we’ll be able to do those things sooner than you think, at least I hope so.
I’m hoping my DS will start nursery when he’s 3 and gets free hours.

[Greenpoppins]

I understand why you are worried, and I think it depends on your child. Maybe think about what exact aspects of socialisation you think they are missing out on. Sharing? I think modelling with teddies etc can be helpful. I think nurseries are really superb at routines (wait your turn, help others etc) could you find a way to do this at home?

[MereDintofPandiculation]

Remember it's not so long ago that there was no pre-school or nursery. Children stayed at home until they started school in the term in which they had they're 5th birthday. There were only children then, too. So follow suggestions about teaching taking turns etc at home, and don't worry.

[NoRoomInBed]

My 1st born was soo painfully shy she wouldnt talk to anyone but me for the 1st 3 years. So we didnt go to play group ect as it was too much for her. When she started nursery it was the same but when she hit 5 years old it was like a flip switched. Even at a year I think kids would be ok.

[YouAndMeAndTheDevilMakesThree]

Maybe think about what exact aspects of socialisation you think they are missing out on

I agree with this. 18 months is much too young for meaningful friendships, and things like sharing and turn taking can be taught/modelled by you. It's hard not to worry about all things DC -related but I think you might be over-worrying this one given your DCs age OP. Even if it goes on and on (which is unlikely).