Toddler interactions

[MrSkinnyLegsSpider]

My little DD loves playgroup and classes, she's so excited about them, runs to hold the leader's hand and sit on their laps, plays with other parents etc

I'm feeling very upset and worried about a lot of other important things too (fears for family with health concerns, operation delays, friends with financial difficulties) but I don't think it's frivolous to be concerned about how the reduced interactions will affect her, especially if we are looking at at least four months and up to eighteen months only seeing me and sometimes DH in the evenings.

Obviously I'll make the best of it and hope to model resilience but I am so upset thinking of her hopefully asking about playgroups each day. I guess she'll forget about it soon.

What can I do to help? FaceTime/Skype play dates? It's not the same as her playing hide and seek with her little friends.

I can't sleep and I'm struggling with this and I know there are other important issues, but it's how I feel.

To add I understand how important it is but it doesn't change how I feel

Bump, as feeling something similar. Socialisation is important even if it’s not life or death. My only hope is that restrictions will ease up in the summer and we can have outdoor activities, picnics etc, that aren’t in confined spaces.

I am feeling the same. I'm completely isolated in the sticks and so my 8mo won't even see anyone out the window or on a walk. Im so so worried how this will effect her long-term socially. Up until now she's sooo happy out and about and loves other people. What will that look like in 4 months time? I'm grateful that I don't worry about her health but I know how you feel OP and pp and want you to know you're not the only ones xx

I feel the same. Am hoping we can at least go for lots of walks.

We are on day 6 of staying at home isolated and my 3 year old has just adapted. We have been doing dancing, hide and seek, colouring etc and she plays with her toys in her room. We also watch a few more cartoons than normal as sometimes I need a break from the constant talking!

We face-timed her grandparents and cousins and she was delighted and it was social interaction as far as she was concerned. It’s not ideal but its only a part of their lives.

I’m normally a very anxious person but I’ve decided all I can do is make the best of this and make it a good time for my children.

It makes you appreciate what is really important in life.

I hear you OP. Dd is almost four months old and we had just started going to baby groups and getting out. I was meeting some other mums and getting to know people in the local area that no doubt I will end up seeing for years to come and now I don't know when we will get out again. Yes there is plenty I can do to make it interesting at home but I will miss the chance to make those friendships with others now.

Even though I'm not glad, I am glad there are others who are feeling the same if you see what I mean and your calm replies to OP have really helped me. On to a new day, just going to make the best of it and take it as it comes. Xx

I’m so sad about this too. My DS is only 14 months and won’t remember any of this, but he had just started nursery and absolutely loved it. His face lights up around other kids. I know it’s very low down on the list of things to worry about right now, but I’m so sad he’s going to miss out and be stuck with just us, and might not get to play with or touch another child for months