Toddler afraid of other children

[AngelDog]

Has anyone got any suggestions how I can help my 16 m.o. be less scared of other children, or is it something I should just wait for him to grow out of?

When another child approaches him or tries to play near him he usually bawls.

He's had separation anxiety since about 8 months and won't be left with anyone other than DH or me. However, he's now happier interacting with other adults and has recently started being okay playing with one of the grandparents at our house for 10 mins even if DH & I are out of sight.

He seems to be getting more scared of other children though, especially those his age or older.

We go to 1 or 2 toddler groups a week and occasionally see friends with similar age children outside of that.

Hi, how about inviting one of your friends with a similar age child to your house to play, he might feel more secure in his own environment and hopefully will be more receptive to another child approaching him there, then progress from there.

I would keep trying to get him to spend time with grandparents (without you) - this is for your benefit as well as his as you will need a break sometimes!

Keep going to the toddler groups and maybe try to start an interaction with other tots yourself. He is very young though, so I wouldn't worry too much about it.

My daughter was just like this. She hated and feared all other children until she was around two and a half. She's four and a half now, has loads of friends and is generally a happy girl. Try not to worry. I think it's perfectly normal for some children.

Thanks for the suggestions - I'd not thought of making more effort to meet people here, so that might work. He seems much more independent when we're at the park, so that might be a good place to try to start some interactions.

Halogen, that was really interesting about your DD.

I think I get a bit twitchy as I lack confidence a bit socially, but as FernieB says, he's young yet.