Lockdown has made my toddler scared of all other children!

[JC2021]

It's really difficult but since coming out of lockdown - he doesn't go near or like to play wth other children.. he says 'there's a boy coming' and will literally run behind me.. some days he seems slightly calmer than others.. i am now concerned.

he starts nursery age 3 and i honestly have no idea what it will be like.

he was 1 and half when we entered lockdown and that year he didn't see any children or play with them. i did take him to the park but of course parents were trying to keep them separate. i was relaxed overall but did likely show some anxiety.

any advice on getting him used to and around other kids. also moved to a brand new area and know no one!

thanks

Bumping

Are there any small groups in the local area?
Can you find a local FB page for other mums in the same position ?

I regularly see ‘DS 3 will be attending x nursery in May, any other mums like to meet for a play date’

Maybe start with a small group - I’m sure the nursery have seen this already and lots of children I’ve been affected.

I wouldn’t over worry they are more flexible than we give them credit for.

Just take it slowly and don't pressure your DS in any way.. He will take his reactions from you. Do lots of little and often interacts to get him used to being around others

It's hard. In so far as you can, go slowly, build up gradually. Have faith they will bounce back.

The pandemic has been a really difficult issue for a lot if children. My DS is coming to the end of yr7, in many ways he is more like a yr5 as he slide backwards independence wise in lockdown 1. We're building back slowly...

My then 2 year old was exactly the same after the first lockdown, she was absolutely terrified of other kids. I was really worried about her starting nursery, but after being shy for the first few days and upset at me leaving her, she very quickly adapted and now loves it. She has loads of friends, knows everyone’s name and it’s all a distant memory.