Worried 2 yr old not had much interaction with other children

[MissTify]

Hi, I am a single parent to a two year old DD. I've attended parent and toddler groups on and off, but there have been long periods when I haven't attended, as I have found them not very friendly places, and I have been undergoing a lot of stress and suffering ongoing post natal depression. I'm very worried about the fact I haven't attended them regularly enough. My 2 year old DD is shy and very attached to me. I want her to socialise more with other children to bring her out of her shell and feel more confident in the presence of other children. I'm wondering if I have caused her any harm by not socialising her enough? Is this worrying enough for me to contact my Health Visitor and raise my concerns? Thank you.

My DD is also 2years old. I have yet to attend a parent & toddler group as such.

Instead we go to bounce n rhyme held in local library. Even thats a bit sporadic
Do you have anything like that? I find mine is full of cliques BUT because you singing with child it doesnt feel as obvious.

I dont think id be worried just now tbh, still so young but would start looking at ways to gently start socialising with others.

So parks, museums, soft play once schools are back even swimming. Doesnt have to be groups/classes imo. Last time we went swimming the kids all seemed to gravitate towards each other.

Hope that helps.

(Oh and dd goes to nursery 1 day a week, that might be worth investigating as well?)

Two year old children don't need very much socializing. She will get that soon enough in school. A great thing to to would be to read her books about all kinds of people and discuss things with her on her level. You are doing a great job, so try to relax.

Thank you both for your replies, I feel a lot better now. My daughter is due to start Nursery in September, which I feel will really help with her social development, I feel better knowing though that I'm not doing a bad job so far and that she should be doing ok.

She will be just fine, I promise! At this age, all she needs is you and your love and attention.

We went to loads of toddler groups (because I liked them) but DS was still shy. He got there in the end but his best friend who went to no toddler groups was/is way more socially confident than him. Try not to worry and I hope that you are soon on the road to recovery .

Similar issues here. My DD (2 tomorrow) has been to toddler group twice. 🙈 The groups around here are terribly clicky and bitchy. My daughter is not used to children at all and very shy.

Pre school can help. You might get help if you're a single parent!