am i causing my dd psychological harm?

[bourboncream]

first time mummy alert!!

ok so dd is 17m and doesnt really have much kiddy interaction if any.
i work part time but she goes to mils house while i am at work.
we visit soft play places prob once a week but often there is noone else there!!! and if there is they are usually alot older than dd.

i dont go to mother and toddler groups because i have to work when they are all on.
i dont want to but needs must and getting time off is a no go really as company are v short staffed.

there is a glimmer of hope though as have a phone number of a lady of similar age to me with ds who is only 2 weeks older than my dd.
i am planning to meet up with her soon so our lo's can have a play but i am worried i have already deprived her.do you think there is still plenty of time???

some say they need the interaction, others say all they need is their parents for a long time yet.3??

who is right or is this a big debate???
i just feel sorry for dd sometimes like i am hindering her progress?!

or am i just being a neurotic mummy?

It's fine, she's fine, really, she;s not deprived. They don't need it, parents/carers fine at this age.

Really, don't worry. I hate mother and toddler groups and didn't go to any.

thanks so much, feel so much better already

thanks so much, feel so much better already

I spent first 2 years of my DD1's life trying to socialize her with others, but she hated it. I kept taking her to groups (which I also hated) because I felt guilty. Wish I hadn't bothered. She is perfectly well adjusted but didn't really get interested in playing with other kids til she was about 3, then she was in nursery any way. Guilt just comes with the territory, it must have been a mum who came up with the expression 'damned if you do and damned if you don't'

She'll be fine - sounds like she's getting lots of fabulous adult interaction time.

But both you and she might ENJOY spending time with other kids (& their mums) - both ds (generally quite a shy, 'deep' child) and dd (a complete flirt & social butterfly) adore spending time with their mates.

I'm sure they've not learnt much in the way of social skills (dd bit her little mate on the nose today ) but much fun all round!

I'm glad I'm not the only one worrying about this, I keep thinking about DD1 (18 months) not seeing any other kids. I don't know anyone with children her age & there isn't a toddler group near me (maybe I should start one ) Still, if it was essential for toddlers to have toddler buddies then we'd all know about it, wouldn't we??

DD1 does love playing with other kids her age tho, when we do meet any!