Son isn't making friends

[getmeacupoftea]

Hes almost 3. Had a report from nursery and in his "areas to be improved" it says he hasn't made any friends, but will happily play alongside other kids.

I feel like this is something that perhaps his key worker should be encouraging, it breaks my heart to think that I drop him off and he's lonely all day.

But then I also think, he's not even 3, surely they're not at the age to start forming friendships?

I just feel so sad because I've always struggled with making friends my entire life, and I've never had any close ones. Terrified it's a trait that he's got from me.

I think it's way too early to worry. He's playing fine alongside. One day another child will likely decide he's going to be their friend and wham! it'll happen.

At not 3 that's what they generally do - play along side.
It's one of the skills they develop at pre-school age.

That’s perfectly normal - most 2 year olds play their own thing alongside others. I’d only worry if it’s still the same in a couple of years.

I had this exact same worry with my DS. He didn't make any friends at nursery, never got invited to parties etc. I think he just didnt click with anyone and he was happy on his own. When he started pre school at 4 he turned into a social butterfly and has made so many new and good friends (as have I!)

Thankyou so much for the reassurance everyone xx

If the nurses think it's an issue though what are they doing to help?

I agree the key worker should be facilitating it. My DS would happily sit with grown ups all day rather than play with fellow 3 year olds but his childminder very actively facilitates play between the children

@partysong

I did think that. As I walked away I peered through window once and saw him stood in the corner of the room on his own. Just wanted to scoop him up and bring him home.
If hes not making friends and is on his own all day I feel like I'd rather just use the absolute fortune we spend on his nursery fees to take him out and spoil him all day myself.
Definitely want to talk to his key worker tomorrow

You're right, talk to them. It takes little to get toddlers to include each other in play. They need to help him (he might not want it which is fine but they should help)

You and him both sound lovely by the way

@partysong

Ah thanks so much!