To worry that DS 2.5 doesn't have any potential friends at nursery

[curiousquestion2]

Changing to AIBU for traffic! Question is AIBU to worry (although I'm looking for reassurance really, as we're rural and there aren't many childcare options).

DS 2.5 is in between ages at nursery for friendship groups. He loves the older ones, but they're becoming less tolerant of him and aren't playing with him any more. There's one girl about the same age, but they're really very uninterested in each other. Another girl who's younger, then a few babies.

He had some beloved friends - boisterous boys like him - who moved away and he missed them.

I feel so sad for him that he's so sociable and yet he can't really play with anyone there. He's started not wanting to go in and I can't blame him.

Any words of wisdom?

I don't think at his age you have anything to worry about. They just play alongside each other until closer to 4 when they start making friends and understanding people and personalities a bit more. At 2.5 it's just like 'oh x has a fire engine jumper on, I like fire engines, he's my friend'

His time will come

I wouldn't worry - they really just play alongside each other at that age. Any 'friendships' are made and broken in minutes often based on the immediate previous interaction.
Also as he is boisterous nursery probably doesn't allow much running about play. Do the children get any outside playtime at nursery - as that sounds as if it is more his thing at the moment?

He will find his way, and the other children will be growing and changing just as he does so will be more willing to interact.

If you are worried have a word with nursery - maybe they can help out with some activities where several children are all together and he can chat to others a bit more.

Thanks, @AmyDudley . I might ask about the activities idea. That's a really proactive thing to do. Really appreciate it

Thanks, @NoKnit - I love the "his time will come"! I hope so. He's always been desperate to play with others and his peers generally are not and it's hard to see him being rejected so much.

Maybe I need to give him more jazzy clothes with Paw Pawtrol on! They all seem to be obsessed with that!