Unsocial 4 1/2 Year Old

I would ask his teachers what they think. What you are seeing is just a snapshot of his day and it maybe the case that he is social with the other kids, just not as often or as enthusiastically as you may with he would be. If the teachers give you a favorable report or don't seems to be overly concerned about his friendships at school (or lack of them), then you may have a child who is a bit more reserved than the other kids and probably would do better with more access to 1:1 playdates as well as having his share of alone time as well.

my 4 1/2 yr old prefers to play w/himself or is VERY PICKY with who he wants to ahve as a friend. he says he has no friends at school but prefers the adult attention.

does he play w/anyone? maybe you can have a routine play date or something.
my son does much better 1:1 than in groups.
jsut a thought.

Brit-
I agree that you're just seeing a snapshot and he may be adjusting his play according to whether you are there or should be coming in. I think it's normal. My sis was a sit back and watch kid. Now she's the social butterfly of the family...so you never know.
S.

Some people get their energy from being around other people, some people get their energy from being by themselves. Neither one is right or wrong, it just is. He may find being around other kids takes too much energy and it's not his thing...it doesn't make it something that needs to be "fixed". Eventually he'll be drawn to kids that are into the same things he is, it might be a small group, but similar people always have a way of finding each other. I wouldn't stress and continue to love him for who he is. GL!!

Hi

Have you ever thought about getting an aupair? Having an au pair might help because your kid will be cared for in familiar surrounding, plus I heard that children that are not really social benefit from that because they become really good friends and learn to trust them. You can check more information at www.goaupair.com
Hope that helps

My now 14yr old son was the same way and at his age he did the same things, I had him in t-ball,soccer, football and he didn't interact it was as if we were torchuring him, but he has now been better about having friends and being more social. I've learned that my son is very shy and he's one of those that just sits back and observes others then when he gets in his comfort zone he starts to get involved.

I would not worry at all just let him be and he will grow out of it and the older he gets the more you will understand his own personality. It's very normal just keep him active and around other kiddos. Good Luck!

I believe, your child is normal. He is 4. Many 4 year olds are perfectly happy playing side by side with other kids and not interacting with them. What can you do? Find other boys who are only children or the only boy in their family-their parents will also be looking for a good buddy for their boy. Encourage but don't push your child to play with these kids. Are there any cousins? Family would be good relationships to encourage. There are so many pros and cons to the number of children in a family. . parenting an only child has its unique challeges-find some only children who are now adults and ask their advice.