Social Situations

[jlh276]

Hello,

My daughter is 2.5 years old. She doesn't go to nursery yet, she is starting preschool in April next year.
She had her two year review last week, whilst I didn't have any major concerns, the HV said it appears she has extreme "stranger danger" (she was crying in the room and burying her head in my leg) I mentioned to the HV that she doesn't like it when people speak to her. The HV said we will see how she goes when she starts preschool next year.
She sees her cousins once a week, and has swimming class every Sunday which she enjoys.
In an attempt to get her used to socialising, I took her to a playgroup this morning and it was disaster. I explained to her where we were going and she was happy but the minute she walked in the door she was upset, crying on the floor saying she wants to go home. I sat and tried to comfort her and showed her toys but it didn't help so we ended up leaving.

Has anyone else experienced this? I just feel like a failure at the minute (3 weeks away from having baby number 2 so quite emotional 🥹)
Her speech is brilliant, she can count to 20, talks in sentences and recognises letters etc.

Thanks ☺️

I think that they always have a bit of an odd phase when you're in your last trimester so don't beat yourself up.

My DS was a bit overwhelmed if we walked into playgroup when everyone else was there here, he was much better if we got there just as they opened the door and the room filled up afterwards.

Did the HV suggest doing the 30 month Social & Emotional Ages & Stages?

@PolaroidPrincess

Thanks so much for your reply.

We did arrive there late today so maybe that didn't help.

The 30 month questionnaire was sent for me to fill out which I did complete and gave to the HV however she didn't really look at it...just said she will add it to the system 🙄 Tbh the whole appt was spent on how upset she was, not what she can do hence why it knocked my confidence.

Will see how she goes over the next few months.

Did your DS get "better" with social situations as he got older?

Thank you ☺️

We did arrive there late today so maybe that didn't help. Maybe try again but go earlier? It might help, it might not. Your local library might have a smaller story time group or a little music group which she might like?

The 30 month questionnaire was sent for me to fill out which I did complete and gave to the HV however she didn't really look at it...just said she will add it to the system 🙄 Tbh the whole appt was spent on how upset she was, not what she can do hence why it knocked my confidence.

I'm sorry that your confidence has been knocked, I never found my HVs to be that awash with empathy.

The one I linked to is slightly different as it's the Social & Emotional Ages & Stages. It nigh be worth filling it in and scoring it yourself?

If she's in the grey see the HV again soon and show her the assessment. If she's in the black see the GO, show them and ask for a referral to a Paediatrician. In all likelihood though she's fine and just not that used to socialising.

Did your DS get "better" with social situations as he got older

Lovely, well adjusted young man with some friends and a fairly busy social life. He is ND though but he doesn't let that hold him back.