How to train DD for the park?

not exactly sure what I'm trying to ask....
DD is almost 3 and we live in NYC. We have a nanny so she doesn't have much interaction with kids.
I'm not sure how to teach her that not everyone wants to play with her.

For example, my wife brought her to the Paw Patrol show at MSG. There were some older kids sitting on the steps watching the show, my wife told me DD kept trying to go sit with the older kids.

Over the weekend I took DD to the park to play on the jungle gym. One kid (probably around 6 or 7) was riding his small bike around. When DD saw him she yelled out "chase him" and then starting running after him. I'm sure he didn't even realize she was running after him since he was on a bike and she was way behind. I think he even lapped her once or twice while she was "chasing him" lol.

Then 2 boys and a girl (boys = 6/7 years old, girl = 4/5?) were standing on a ledge and DD goes running over to stand near them. Then I hear one of the boys say to her "you're no good" then all 3 start saying "you're no good" and one of the boys raised his foot toward her face, so I said "Don't raise your foot" (I'm actually a few feet away from DD at all times, I got nothing else to do in the park)

Then I dragged her over to a different part of the park.
So how do I teach her not to try and play with random kids?
Or that most kids are already in their clique and don't like outsiders coming in?

Message edited 5/1/2017 2:19:11 PM.

How to train DD for the park?

I don't think I would deter her from trying to play with other kids at the park...I would probably guide her towards trying to play with the kids more her own age.
I don't think 2 to 3-year-olds are cliquey, I think the older kids aren't necessarily opposed to an outsider-- they just aren't interested in playing with a toddler!

How to train DD for the park?

I agree with the pp. Just try to read the response of the kids she's trying to play with. Dd1 is very social and she's had a blast playing with kids of either gender sometimes several years older than her. However, if they're not interested or not playing nicely than I would try to distract her or take her to another post of the playground.

Re: How to train DD for the park?

Same. I don't think I'd try and deter her at that age. I'd try and urge her in the direction of kids her own age or kids playing by themselves since bigger groups tend to be a little less inclusive.

I would want to kick a 7 year old's ass for raising his foot in my 3 year old's face though.

How to train DD for the park?

>>I would want to kick a 7 year old's ass for raising his foot in my 3 year old's face though.

I wanted to post a similar statement, but not sure how that would have gone over here

How to train DD for the park?

Some boys kicked my DD at the park once as she was trying to climb up a baby rock wall to get to a slide. I think she was 2 and they were probably 5 or 6. Their mom's were no where to be found. She wasn't even trying to play with them - they didn't want anyone else on the play structure. Some kids are just mean. I don't teach my kids not to play with others though. I try to steer them away from anyone being mean.

Re: How to train DD for the park?

Message edited 5/1/2017 3:27:09 PM.

Re: How to train DD for the park?

I teach my kids to be friendly. I tell DS to go up to kids and say, "Hi, my name is xx, what's your name?" I think it's better to teach kids to be friendly, rather than shy. If the other kids don't want to play, I'd just redirect my child. But I wouldn't encourage my children not to approach other kids.

Re: How to train DD for the park?

Posted by Momma2015

Posted by newlywedT

>>I would want to kick a 7 year old's ass for raising his foot in my 3 year old's face though.

I wanted to post a similar statement, but not sure how that would have gone over here

I know. The LIF police. And I wouldn't DO anything, but damn that would be my first instinct!!

Re: How to train DD for the park?

Re: How to train DD for the park?

Just instill in her that not everyone is going to want to be her friend and play with her and that is a okay! Teach her that it's okay to try to make friends but move on when they don't show interest. Teach her not to take it to heart.

I don't think steering her away is the answer. She needs to learn how to deal with these situations (even at such a young age)

Re: How to train DD for the park?

Posted by NervousNell

Posted by Momma2015

Posted by newlywedT

>>I would want to kick a 7 year old's ass for raising his foot in my 3 year old's face though.

I wanted to post a similar statement, but not sure how that would have gone over here

I know. The LIF police. And I wouldn't DO anything, but damn that would be my first instinct!!

Mine too. I am getting angry just thinking about it.