Reply to Is my almost-4 yr old "high needs"?

Forum Index » Infants, Toddlers, & Preschoolers

Reply to "Is my almost-4 yr old "high needs"?"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous]We went to the playground with friends this morning and met up with our friends and their kids (everyone in masks, please don't yell at me about Covid). Their kids are a little older (K and 2nd grade). Our kid is turning 4 in a few weeks and has limited experience with other kids (part-time daycare before Covid, home with us since, plus playdates). He's also an only.

Our friends' kids played with each other and on their own the entire time we were at the playground. They'd go to their parents to ask for a snack or to show them something specific, but were mostly independent.

Our son took turns between my husband and I. He played with DH first, then I took over for a bit, then he just kind of hung out with us and the other adults, playing with a  soccer ball that we were kicking between us. It felt like a pretty typical playground visit for us -- he has gone through phases where he's been more independent, but usually wants to play with us most of the time.

As we were leaving, my friend commented that it seems like he's really attached to us and used the phrase "high needs". I agree he's very attached, and certainly see how his separation anxiety has gotten worse during Covid. But it doesn't seem that odd to me -- he's always been pretty attached and is an only. I figured once he starts school there will be a transition and then he'll become more independent. His behavior doesn't seem out of step with other 3/4 year olds, but then I've only had one kid so I guess I don't really know what's typical.

I'm work at home (even during non-covid times) so have been with him since he was born. DH has been working from home since March. He gets lots of one-on-one time with both of us, though he does play on his own for 30-60 minute stints throughout the day.

Does this sound like unusually needy behavior for a 3, almost 4 year old? Should we be looking to address it or will it resolve on its own. He'll go to PK next fall, the only reason we didn't do it this year is because of Covid (and we don't need the childcare, so it seemed like an unnecessary risk).[/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics