Toddler Socialisation in this Lockdown

[peachesarenom]

Hi there,

My little one is two, just a couple of months older, DH, little one and I have moved in with my parents as 2020 was just a bit too much wasn't it?

We've been here a few months but due to my parents age we have not been going out. I see pictures of my mum friends meeting up and the toddlers get to see each other and I'm of course filled with guilt.

Should I go back home so he can see another toddler a couple of days a week or should I stay here where he has more adults to get attention from?

I just can't stop second guessing my choices.

Pre pandemic we were out at least once a day doing something/meeting someone.

I'd appreciate your advice, thanks x

Personally I’d stay put. Imo at 24mo they don’t really play together, rather along side each other (I run a toddler group). They are learning but it’s not the same as a 4yo say.

The socialisation is important but the parental input is far more valuable. You will get more support staying out, and be able to parent better. And it’s hopefully only a few months more.

Have your parents had the vaccine yet? Maybe 3 weeks after that you could discuss going out (obeying rules of course) to meet another parent and toddler.

I’ve read the official advice is from the age of 2 little ones need to interact with their peers. I think when DD2 I’m going to put her into nursery a couple of days a week otherwise she won’t have the opportunity to.

If he enjoys spending time with your parents and they take time to play with him, I'd say he would be better off with daily interaction with them than occasional meetups with other toddlers. At 2 years old they learn a little from playing alongside others, but it's 3 years old before they can play together really.

Thank you peapotter it's very true that even the help with the cooking and cleaning and the few minutes here and there of 'me time' have made me a lot happier and little one benefits from that!

Thank you Thatwentbadly do you have a link to that research? I would love to read it.

aapple that's a good point. He does seem to enjoy a toddler/pre schooler a little bit older to interact with. I guess they're better at adjusting their own behaviour to help the interaction!