Playing with elder kids

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Updated on Jan 21, 2014
Is it okay if a kid as old as 5 years plays with kids around 8 years of age? My concern is that these elders kids often dominate the younger ones. How will this affect the mental growth of the younger one?

| Jan 21, 2014
I think u over concern for your kids.. thts absolutely ok..... every phase is learning for everyone.... I don't think one shud think or overprotected towards their kids.... infact I wish my son to play with elder kids..... initially u can hv a watch(if some one is hitting or unfair to him)…... later let them play...... my son is 4 he has 6-10yrs old friends.... as per my experience.... younger ones learn a lot with playing elder kids..... let ur child free... parents cant protect them in every stage of life... let them learn themselves. Whn my son was 2 or so…. i used to go with him…and give instruction(as other kids were 4-10yrs old)…. now…. i sit at one place and keep on watching I don’t interfere. it is high competition outside... child has to face all that... so we have to make them emotionally strong and confident.. to face all.


| Jan 21, 2014
Dear Shailika, it is not a problem if you let your child play with older children. If at all the older ones dominate, the younger ones will learn to deal with behaviour and will find a solution to avoid it in the future. Of course there is a line between dominating and bullying or hitting. You may tell your child what to watch out for and what should be reported to you. Just make sure your child comes and tells you of any bad/negative experiences. I have a 5 year old and a 2 year old. The older one is definitely bossy and makes full use of the little one. I do not interfere as they will learn and adapt with age and time. Hope this helps.