anyone else's DC not really have friends at preschool?

[RillaBlythe]

My DD, just about to be 4, doesn't seem to have any friends at preschool. I've asked the teachers & they say she is "friends with anyone" & spends a lot of time following the teachers around & helping them. She seems socially okay (in a 3/4 year old sort of way) outside of nursery & has made a couple of friends in the playground (we recently moved cities so she doesn't have any other friends). Is this normal for this age group?

Yes, they tend to play besides each other as opposed with with each other. Have you invited any of them over for play date? You could make some friends too! Ask school to give you an idea of who she likes and then stick a note in their tray.

Yeah, I should ask the teachers again. Last time I asked, hoping to get some names for playdates, they said there wasn't anyone in particular she played with but that they're not worried

Actually they didn't say they weren't worried. But I got the impression they weren't. I know she is only young, I think it's the loss of her old friends that makes me accutely aware of how few kids she seems to know now, feel like I've failed her.

Hi RillaBlythe

I have a 3 yr old boy (4 in oct) and he too doesnt seem to have any "special" friends at nursery. He plays with everyone too. I was a bit worried that he just didnt have any decent social skills (lots of kids in his nursery have special friends in his class) but like you say, the nursery teachers are not concerned. Said its normal and its likely he'll gain more confidence next year. Not a lot i can do about it really but hope to make play dates with some children over the summer holidays (his nursery is closed over the summer). Just wanted to let you know that you are not alone :)

My DD has just turned 4 and is the same, as are lots of the others in her class.

It's quite normal. In fact some of the children who do have special friends are a bit limited in their play. As in 'Here is Joe, we always play Spiderman'. Those that are friends with everyone tend to have more varied play, plus children do like to spend some time on their own, even in a group situation.

Also beware of the preschool conversation:
What did you do at preschool? Nothing.
Who did you play with? No-one