Is my child distancing himself from me?
Advisor on Child Development & Education,
Chennai
Q: My five-year-old son always wants to go to his friend's house. I have seen this friend's house, which is quite colourful and there are a few pets (a pup, fish and a cat). Though my son does not demand for a pet, but at the same time he just wants to go to this friend's house. I am a working lady, and have only Sunday off. Even when my husband and I are at home, he still insists on going to his friend's house. He starts throwing all sorts of tantrums to go to his friend's house. This friend, however, does not seem to be much bothered about my son. Is it that my son is going away from me because I cannot spend much time with him?
A:Any child would like to play in a house that is colourful and has pet animals to play with. It does not mean that the child is going away from you.It would be advisable for you to spend some of your child's play time with him, telling him stories and teaching him songs and watching him play with blocks and so on. But clearly it will have to be interesting for the child.You can plan a party for him where he can invite friends and there will be games and music and lots of fun.