Have you ever observed how your kids play with other kids? For Em, it wasn’t until about 2 years old that she actually played with others. We had plenty of play dates when she was younger, but they didn’t actually play together. It was more so being in the same room but doing their own thing. Come to think of it, those play dates were more for the moms than the babies. Haha.
But then I started noticing as she got older that she would actually play with her friends. They’d play imaginary games, tags, hide and seek, read books together, and etc. It’s actually fascinating observing these toddler interactions. Some kids will jive super well and rarely fight/argue while others will bicker every 5 minutes. These tiny humans grow into their own minds at a much earlier age than we think and their personalities are already shaped. And boy, are they super opinionated, am I right?
They learn to form their own relationships with their friends. All I can do as a parent is to create a space and opportunities for Em to forge these relationships with other kids. Although she already prefers one friend over another, I want her to know that it’s important to have relationships of all types. While she may bicker every 5 minutes like she does with her friend Charles, she will find a special bond with him that she won’t share with another friend. I also think having her interact with kids with different personalities shapes her to be more adaptive in life. Forging relationships is hard even as adults and it’s a continuous task in life no matter how old we are. I hope that little lessons like creating relationships despite different personalities will make her a more well rounded person.
It wouldn’t be a blog post without pictures, right? These are from her most recent play date with her long distance boyfriend, Charles in Chicago back in August. 😉
@Kohl Children’s Museum Glenview, IL
@Spray ‘N Play Buffalo Grove, IL
-m
Tori says
I love this! My little one didn’t really start playing with others well until she was around 2. I love sitting back and watching her play with others and observe how kids play at this age, their imaginations are just out of this world!! This pictures are so cute and she looks like she’s having so much fun!! Xoxo
admin says
Thank you, Tori! I also love watching them play! Some play well together while others don’t, but I am teaching my daughter it’s okay to have different personalities.
Allison Domlovil says
Millie has just started a MDO program two days a week. It is so cute to see their interactions! Love the pictures too mama!
admin says
That is awesome! I bet she loves it! Thank you!
Aysia says
These are such cute pictures!! I can’t wait until my little man is old enough for real play dates!
admin says
Thank you so much! Play dates are so much fun, for both kids and mamas!
Ambee says
So adorable! I have a 14 yo, 7 yo and a 5 month old… So we will be going through all of the fun phases again! I love the 2 year age because they are learning who they are and it is such a fun thing to watch!
admin says
Thank you! Awesome age ranges of kids! I completely agree! 2-3 yr old is my favorite phase thus far!
Vanessa says
I love watching my kids play! My youngest is 2 and actually plays with other kids and it’s so cute to see how they interact! I love those pictures you shared 😍
admin says
Isn’t it adorable? My daughter started actually playing around 2 year old too! Thank you so much!