Building Socials Skills for Preschoolers
My four-year-old seems to prefer playing alone. There are no children close to where we live so preschool seems to cause him some stress. He acts up and gets to go to the “office” until he is calm where he reads books, looks at the fish and ultimately, gets his way playing alone. Kindergarten starts this fall and I’m worried this will continue. How can I make him more comfortable in a group setting? Help!
Your son, even at age four, has a temperament and personality all his own. He may enjoy playing alone. But there are some things you can do to make him more comfortable in social situations.
Many children at age four have limited experience with their peer group. The opportunity for your son to attend preschool this year will set the foundation for him to gain social competence that will ensure his being successful in Kindergarten and beyond. Some children are slower to warm up and may need an adult to “set the stage” in order to feel comfortable in a group setting.
I strongly encourage setting “play dates” with another child from your son’s class to provide a home/school connection. When planning a “play date” limit the time to an hour and a half and plan an activity such as Painting to Music which is fun and non-competitive. This type of activity allows children to play at their own level and will encourage creativity and verbal exchange. In time, you may suggest inviting two playmates to increase his social skill comfort level.
You seem to understand your son. By working cooperatively with the preschool and expanding his social opportunities at home you can help him gain social confidence. Keep in mind, he is only four! There is time for him to cultivate the skills he currently lacks.
