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Original poster

Feel sorry for my DS

16 replies

Lissy23 · 29/07/2020 10:42

He’s almost 2 and is just getting to the age when he’d really enjoy playgroups and toddler groups/stay and plays.
We did go previously and shortly before lockdown started he was really starting to get into them properly.
I have no idea when they will re-start and I feel like he’s missing out so much. These years go by so fast.
Does anyone else feel the same?

OP posts:
OpheliasCrayon · 29/07/2020 10:54

My youngest hasn't been to any playgroups etc for reasons not to do with corona.
My eldest didn't go to anything until she started nursery at 3 (although did have playdates ).

They're both absolutely fine. You feel like he's missing out but at this age the groups are mainly for the parents in my opinion. So obviously you are missing out on social contact with other parents which I would imagine could be feeling a bit isolating? But your son will be fine

Original poster
Lissy23 · 29/07/2020 10:55

@OpheliasCrayon yes, I think it’s also me feeling lonely and isolated too.

OP posts:
RedskyAtnight · 29/07/2020 10:57

A nearly 2 year old doesn't really need any interaction with other children, so I don't think you need to feel sorry for your DS. Are you sure it's not you that's missing them? (though most don't run during summer holidays in any case).

OpheliasCrayon · 29/07/2020 10:59

[quote Lissy23]@OpheliasCrayon yes, I think it’s also me feeling lonely and isolated too.[/quote]
Your DS will definitely be fine without going. As I said mine both have been. I was really worried about my DD1 going to nursery when she was over 3 because she'd never been anywhere away from me but she took to it like a duck to water and has been absolutely fine.

I feel for you though. Do you have anyone you could go for walks / picnics with etc?

NotGenerationAlpha · 29/07/2020 11:02

A nearly 2 year old doesn't really need any interaction with other children, so I don't think you need to feel sorry for your DS. Are you sure it's not you that's missing them? (though most don't run during summer holidays in any case).

This. I have a 9 and 5 yo. They are happy with just each other. I feel for teenagers a lot more.

NotGenerationAlpha · 29/07/2020 11:03

I mean when my older is 2, she doesn’t need other playmates. The baby groups are for the parents. When they get older they started to need their friends. My 9 yo missed them at the beginning but not anymore. They were at school for the second half of summer term, but not in the same bubble as any of their friends. They really just are on their own bubble.

OverTheRainbow88 · 29/07/2020 11:23

I’m going to go against the grain and disagree that 2 year olds don’t need play dates: parallel play is really good for their development and I know plenty of 2 years olds that engage and play nicely with others.

But this engagement with other kids can happen at playgrounds/zoos etc for the moment.

LaurieMarlow · 29/07/2020 11:30

I also totally disagree that 2 year olds don’t need engagement with other children. Both of mine are very sociable and loved the company of other children from much younger than that. They learn a huge amount from watching others if similar age.

OP I agree it’s a real shame. Is there anyway of meeting people for play dates? Do you have a local FB/WA group that you could reach out to?

sunseekin · 29/07/2020 11:35

@Lissy23

He’s almost 2 and is just getting to the age when he’d really enjoy playgroups and toddler groups/stay and plays. We did go previously and shortly before lockdown started he was really starting to get into them properly. I have no idea when they will re-start and I feel like he’s missing out so much. These years go by so fast. Does anyone else feel the same?
Yes, feel sad that when we hopefully properly start to feel confident again with life it’ll be spring and only a few months before my youngest starts school. She loved painting a picture for Daddy at playgroup 😭😭 But kids are adaptable and resilient and will bounce back and be gaining elsewhere with family bonds and development. It’ll be ok but I do feel sad about it too.
TheVanguardSix · 29/07/2020 11:44

Why don't you go to your local playground? Do you have one nearby?

OpheliasCrayon · 29/07/2020 13:19

@LaurieMarlow

I also totally disagree that 2 year olds don’t need engagement with other children. Both of mine are very sociable and loved the company of other children from much younger than that. They learn a huge amount from watching others if similar age.

OP I agree it’s a real shame. Is there anyway of meeting people for play dates? Do you have a local FB/WA group that you could reach out to?

I agree that ideally they should have social contact. I didn't want the circumstances I found myself in which meant that my kids didn't. I was just saying that despite this they're still fine. Obviously it would have been better for them to have seen other children but , it didn't do any lasting damage
lorisparkle · 29/07/2020 13:24

In our local area they have organised a baby and toddler group outside at the local park. Might be worth looking at your local Facebook groups and see if anything similar is happening.

Jrobhatch29 · 29/07/2020 13:45

I also agree that toddlers do need social interaction. I used to work in a private nursery with 1-2 yr olds and the experiences are so valuable. Parallel play is so important. These things are also equally important to mams too especially if uou feel lonely. My youngest is only 12 weeks but the baby groups have resumed outdoors. I noticed they were running toddler sessions too. It might be worth looking into toddler yoga/sensory etc running outdoors where you could meet new parents and your child could mix with others. I imagine once schools are open then playgroups will follow soon after.

Waxonwaxoff0 · 29/07/2020 14:58

My DS is older (7) but he is an only child. Under normal circumstances he has lots of playdates and sees his friends at school but all that has been taken away. He saw a friend last weekend at the park and he cried when we had to leave because he's been on his own for so long. Sad His confidence has decreased so much during lockdown, it's been absolutely horrible. YANBU, I think children need interaction with others their own age. DS is fed up of just being stuck with me.

SnuggyBuggy · 29/07/2020 15:02

I feel similar. Really miss the groups, maybe it wasn't 'necessary' for my 2 year old but she clearly enjoyed them. Some of my friends and I have started meeting up outdoors and playing in the park. Is there anyone in your social circle who might be up for that?

Bubblesbubblesmybubbles · 29/07/2020 15:18

My 2yr old craves playing with others or at least interacting with. We have to drag him away when he sees sibling groups playing as he's so desperate to be a part of it

Maybe if they have older siblings its irrelevant but my DC is missing out

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