Actively wanting to be alone

[McCanne]

Is this normal for a 4 year old? I feel like it probably is - she’s a happy kid, an only child, has been going to nursery since she was 6 months old, is very sociable and plays with other children no problem. She loves spending time with us as well. Just recently she’s started announcing that she’s going to her room and stays in there pootling about for a while, playing on her own. She’s always been fine playing alone but preferred to do so downstairs near us.

We’re quite a quiet, laid back family and I value time alone and think why wouldn’t a child, but am I right in putting it down to normal development? Is it more just that it’s ‘her space’? I didn’t really expect it so young.

It sounds fine. I think they like to try out being away from you. She obviously feels safe and secure.

I was an only child who went to daycare from 3 months old and can remember, even from a young age, enjoying being alone. I think it's because I was constantly around people whenever I was out of the house so home time it was nice to choose. I still managed to be close to both my parents though :) (well, we won't talk about those teen years lol)