What’s going on inside your little one’s head during all that solo time? And if they’re choosing to play alone instead of on the playground, does it mean they’re not developing adequate social skills? Here’s what the experts have to say: “Some kids get energy from being around others, and some re-energize through playing alone,” she explains. “In the United States, we prioritize extroversion and often pathologize introverts. As parents and teachers, we must watch out for this. Playing alone more often than not is completely healthy. That said, it is important for all kids to develop positive socialization skills, and parents should help children practice these skills by seeking out one-on-one play dates first and building from there while being cautious to accept your child’s temperament as his or her own healthy way of engaging with the world.” If you’re still concerned about how much time your child is spending playing on his or her own, or they seem fearful of social interactions, don’t hesitate to contact your pediatrician or a child psychologist you trust. Interested in getting more advice from child psychologists? Here’s why this one is begging parents to rethink timeouts.
