15/10/2026
A parent asked us how to help their child join in and play with other children at kinder.
Bronwyn's answer starts with how the child feels, not with the playing. Kinder is loud. There are adults everywhere at drop-off and pick-up, children moving in every direction, and for some kids that is enough to knock out the sense of safety they need before they can go near anyone. A child who doesn't feel settled isn't going to join in, however much they might want to.
Which is why a lot of what we do happens at the door. Arriving ten minutes after the rush. Some visual resources showing what happens next. Asking the educators to set up a corner of the room around whatever that child cannot get enough of this month. Later, an adult putting words like "Can I play?" or "It's my turn" into the air so they are there when the child reaches for them. And then waiting. Staying close, and not rushing them.
If your child is still standing at the edge of the room, don't give up. There is a lot that can be done.
What does drop-off look like for your child at the moment?
