When do children typically show disinterest in peers?

Children typically show disinterest in peers during the preschool years, which encompasses ages 3 to 5. At this developmental stage, children are focused on developing their own identities and skills, often engaging in parallel play where they play alongside others without much interaction. This can lead to a disinterest in peer relationships, as they are more absorbed in their individual activities and exploration. The transition from solitary or parallel play to more interactive play occurs gradually as children build their social skills and begin to understand cooperation and sharing with peers.

During earlier developmental stages, such as infancy, children's interactions are primarily with caregivers, and social awareness with peers is minimal. At around 3 years, children start to exhibit some interest in playing with others but may still display egocentric play behaviors. By age 4, children often begin to show more interest in engaging with peers, building friendships, and participating in group activities, marking a significant shift from earlier stages where peer disinterest is more pronounced.