Does (did) your 4 year old play interactively with others?

[Bronteshoes]

I've just noticed that DS doesn't yet interact with other children while playing but tends to play alongside in both indoor and outdoor games. He is quite sociable and loves going to friends' houses and having friends round, but seems unsure of how to interact, even when other children try to involve him. I was just wondering if I need to focus on this a bit, of whether in fact it's common at this age.

Hi -
I assume hearing and vision, and motor skills are normal. Is he at nursery, or school or some similar setting?

I was a primary TA, including some time in nursery, and at another school the local pre-school children used to come round to use our sand, water, toys and bikes etc.

At this age I think some children are happier playing on their own, but don't mind other kids being nearby. Maybe they see other kids squabbling over toys or activities, and don't yet have the confidence or maturity to get involved in the hurly-burly of school life.

Thanks Ferguson. Yes sensory and motor skills all fine. He attends pre-school for half days so lots of opportunities to interact there (though I'm not sure how much the staff assist with play - I think they let children find their own way unless there's hitting, etc.) It may be to do with confidence as he is quite averse to rough and tumble play and a lot of the children in his peer group are more physical in their play. I suppose I'm just thinking ahead to school as I wouldn't like him to be left out at playtime.

Bronteshoes: I could have been you. I had exactly the same thoughts when my DS was 4. Being an only child meant, I think, that my DS took longer to play WITH others. That and I think that some children are just more into it than others. My DS remains not that interested in sports type stuff but loves detailed playing with marble runs, lego etc, and just seems to gravitate towards others who are likeminded.

Yes, that sounds familiar kw; he is really into lego and invents very intricate imaginative games on his own, so I suppose it's harder to him to play with others doing the things he likes and is familiar with.