Single Child Always Wants to Be with Kids

I have a four year old, as well, and she is also very social. I also have a one year old, who she dotes on, but still she always asks to play with other kids (or watch TV). We have neighbors that have children around her age, and there are times that she asks to go see if they are home over and over again. I am not sure what to say other than, this is time for her to play on her own. I think it is normal for children to want to be entertained by their peers as they are growing and learning from them, but I too feel frustrated when she can't manage to play on her own for the time she has alone. I encourage her to "read" books (she is not reading, yet), and to write a little (she only knows how to write her own name) and that helps. With a little nudge from me starting her off, she seems to become focused on the task, instead of always asking to play with someone else. Who knows if it actually is making a difference, but she is learning that she has to be in charge of staying busy. Also, I have told her that if she is bored, as she has used that word a few times, that is her her job to figure out how to become more engaged (unbored, in 4 year old terms), and she seems to like the challenge.

my daughter appreciates and actually craves her alone time. i'm not bragging but i thought i might offer some of her favourite activities:

legos
beads (definitely a fav)
reading
play-doh
puzzles (another fav)
'writing' in her journal
drawing/painting on her aisle (cheap one at ikea)
coloring/sticker books
building and playing in 'caves'

it also helps that we do some things together and that she goes to bed on time. we cook together, eat dinner, take a bath (not together), read and by the time we've done all that it's bedtime!

when it gets warmer and lighter longer we walk over to a playground and there are usually neighborhood kids there. it is harder in the winter. we are also in swim class 1-2 evenings per week (even in winter) which she enjoys plus it wears her out PLUS she's safer around the water!

Have you considered an after school program and/or the Girl Scouts? That might provide some additional socializing outlet for her to help balance things out a bit.

Hi A.. I'm sorry your daughter is so lonely. Does she have any preschool friends who live close by that could visit for dinner or sleep overs occasionally? Some libraries and rec centers have evening story times you could take her to after work. Five is a young age to have to learn to play alone most nights. Could she get a pet to share some of her time and attention with? Just a few thoughts...