3 yr. old dislikes other kids!

Hi! My 3 year old daughter is a very loving little girl and I have her enrolled in a toddler art class once a week where she seems to do just fine with the other kids. I have noticed that in the past several months she has been very resistant to play with other kids at the playground, the library, play groups, etc., and I am not sure why. I do encourage her lovingly to try to get along but even if a child innocently approaches her to say hello or to join her in play, she'll burst out crying and screaming and immediately wants to leave the scene. I try to talk her through it and ask her what she is feeling and all I get is " I want to go home, Mommy!" and it turns into a very dramatic scene with her. I am so confused by this. I see that she does fine when playing by herself but seems to get aggitated when another child enters in. Even going into public places, she will just see another young child (especially babies) and pound her chest and shout, "NO I don't like the baby/boy/girl!" then she escalates into a crying rage. What in the world could be happening with her?? I do not display any of these emotions or behaviors and I am wondering where and why she is experiencing this difficulty. Please help!!!

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Children vary in their readiness for social interaction. Today there are many more pressures than there used to be to socialize at an early age, since so many children are participating in out-of-home care from an early age. Your daughter's acceptance of the art class indicates that she's OK, in some settings, about limited and structured interaction. Take it a step at a time, and try to engage her with one child at a time, such as by bringing a playmate along to the playground or park.