Our child (4) doing pretty bad with other kids, one on one bit better, but I can see the frustration, the not understanding of their playing, she thinks they're hitting her, they are not and so she gets aggressive, will bite any day now, I can see it coming.
Should I limit this? give her more? It's awful to see the anger, sadness &frustration when it should be a happy time. Very concerned.
anyone done play therapy for this type of behavior?
She sounds like she could use some extra support from you during her playdates. Be there to give her the words to express her needs. Model for her the appropriate language to use with her friends. Some kids just need this extra support socially when they are young. I think it is important to do this while she is having the playdate rather than discussing it with her afterward. While she is "in the moment", so to speak. You'll see better results that way. HTH Good luck!I don't think limiting her socialization will make this problem any better. She'll just become more attuned to adults, which will alienate her further from her agemates. Does she attend daycare? If not, this may be an option. Daycares provide a somewhat structured atmosphere in which the kids can interact, but still have from "free" time on the playground or during "free choice" times. I mean a real daycare, not a home daycare, where there can sometimes be more of a babysitting vibe than actual learning and structure. Does she do better with older or younger children? Look for one with mixed-age classrooms and ask her to be placed accordingly. Daycare teachers are very accustomed to dealing with conflict and will handle it to best socialize her. Of course, always check their credentials and training program. And remember, if she has a diagnosis, they are required to try their best to accommodate her under the Americans with Disabilities Act.I'd also chime in and say that a smaller group of kids is probably better -- I notice that our son (who is also four) is much less overwhelmed with a small group of kids in a large, open space. Once more kids are added, or if they are in a tight space he tends to get overstimulated which sparks some of his inappropriate behavior.I also think a smaller group would be better --- one to four maybe. If it's a low number you could also be right there an help her interpret the social interactions. Some MFCCs have social skills therapy groups that focus on just what you are describing.What is MFCC?