To not want to take feral 16 month old to toddler group?

at the messy play class

Just stop going to these things. Structured classes for toddlers are an oxymoron. I don't know who enjoys them, not the kids, parents or facilitators. Every time I tried any I've had to leave early as my kids just didn't see the point and I couldn't blame them.

The weather is nice in the summer, just take him to the park or the playground. When it rains, take him to the supermarket or let him "help" you fold clothes at home. Failing that, use the soft play.

In my experience, keep going. Or find a one which just has a load of toys out, tend to be church halls or community centres.

i found the structured classes started being boring for him and he just wanted a free flow.

even a soft play, they do toddler mornings, I found them easier.

Strong willed, independent adults are the result of strong willed, independent children so try not to worry, he’s still only young.

My DD is almost 16 months and she just wants to do what she wants to do which is totally normal so I take her to the park or somewhere she can choose where to play rather than an organised activity with expectations to act in a certain way. When my DS was 18 months, I took him to a football class and he picked up the football and ran straight out of an emergency exit and set the alarms off. We never went back!

You’re not in any way stunting your child’s development if you don’t go to every toddler class. Sometimes there are more general play sessions where a load of toys are just chucked out in a church hall or something and that might be more suitable because he can just play with what he wants?

It's tricky because it's probably really good for him to go to these things and mix with other toddlers. Maybe try and stick to one that's just toys etc out rather than a structured activity one. Or no harm really in leaving it a couple of months, but I wouldn't give up on it yet completely. Lots of toddlers are handfuls at that age and, although you may feel judged, most mums (especially with little boys) have been there.

I’d keep going so he learns the skills; but it’s your call. If it’s not manageable for you, stop.

Mine had a wonderful phase of acting totally feral… I promise it passes!

Quite normal, my son was like this at a singing group - only child to run and climb on stacked chairs. Wouldn’t sit for even one nursery rhyme. I found some other groups “stay and play” and less sit down ones and it was much better. Keep going, it sounds like he needs stimulation

One of mine was like this and I did stop going for a while as I found it too stressful. She was probably slight older than yours but she also used to suss out the wobbly newly walking baby and march up to them and give them a shove. It was mortifying ... she did grow out of it thankfully.

Sounds very normal. Parents might judge but they get their turn when their kid poos all over something in a years time.

I would count to 5 every time he's doing something stupid and he will stop reacting to you (he probably sees it as a game). And I would buy yourself some loops so your sensory input is reduced - toddler groups just are the worst for this.

I had a nightmare toddler (AuDHD) but it’s actually really important to keep going imo. It’s far worse to avoid everywhere and then suddenly expect them to magically know how to behave when you take them there once they are older.

I would take a break and retry when he's a few months older. There's no point stressing yourself out, the benefits don't outweigh the stress at this age.