My 4.5 year old daughter behaves completely differently when she is out of the house. Especially at school she is very introverted, avoids contact with others and never takes the initiative to play with others. However, she is overjoyed when others can persuade her to play with it. She watches TV for an average of 3 hours a day. She is nice to everyone, but easily shy. Her kindergarten teacher says that she is very different from the others regarding group games. In recent years she has needed more time (approx. 4 months) than her classmates to get used to. What can I do to make her feel at home faster outside the home? (Her Dutch is very good by the way.)
Answer
The fact that your daughter is introverted is not a problem in itself. Many people are introverted. The fact that she watches a lot of TV may have little to do with that. But watching TV for three hours a day is way too much (one hour a day is more than enough). Most programmes, even those for children, have little pedagogical value, and too much screen viewing is harmful to development. I think it is important for your child’s development that she also learns to amuse herself through play. If she has no brothers or sisters, she can invite a friend to come and play, for example. This immediately promotes her social development. There is a good chance that she will also be able to play at a friend’s house. Later, youth movement might be an idea.
Answered by
Prof. dr. Dr Wim Van den Broeck
Psychology, Developmental Psychology, School Psychology, Learning Disabilities
Avenue de la Plein 2 1050 Ixelles
http://www.vub.ac.be/
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