How do I help my 2 yr old to be more confident?

[northernlassthree]

That's it really. She's clever but lacks confidence with children her own age. If they take a toy from her. She's scared to fight back. She really struggles at play groups where it's a bit of a free for all but seems much happier in organised activities like singing or crafts. She has inherited my lack of coordination which i think doesnt help her confidence much. Any suggestions really welcome.

Have you tried something like a music class or drama class? Nothing too full on obviously, but my dd1 loved Rhythm Time and now does a drama class for under 3's which is actually really running around following the teacher, who is wonderful.

They do a bit at the end where they can all sing a song if they want to, no pressure obv as they are tiny, and that has really brought dd1 out of her shell.

She is still not the sort of kid to fight back really but she is more confident and happier to go off on her own now with other children. And she really enjoys it.

She is really little and will develop in time. Send her to pre school or a good nursery and she will come on leaps and bounds when she is old enough.

Mother and toddler groups are a bit feral. I can synpathize with her if she doesn't like them. Neither do I!

Is she just 2?

DD used to be like this until very recently (she's 2.9) but now she shouts says 'stop it little boy/girl' when they do something she doesn't like. She's also more articulate now so can tell me about things that have upset her which makes her feel better.
The only class I've taken her to since she was 2 is tumble tots which she loves but I don't think it has made any difference TBH I think she just wasn't ready to assert herself.
Second what the other poster said about toddler groups being feral! We stopped going because it was not much fun any more.

Thank you. Some really reassuring and useful responses. Will definitely try harder to find a music or drama class. Used to go to music class which she really loved but has ended and not yet found one we can get to (no car in rural location with 4 month old in tow also). Not sure about dropping play groups as main way for me to link with other mums in area. Is that selfish ?

No I wouldn't drop playgroups personally, the children and parents that go change all the time and s the "feel" of a group can alter quite quickly. Find a group you feel comfortaoble with, it took me a while but I go to a lovely group on a Friday where everyone keeps an eye on the kids and so I'm not constantly on edge that someone's little darling to going to thump my pfb daughter.

Not selfish at all (i like to get out once a day at least otherwise my DC would drive me round the bend!)

What I meant was we dropped the groups temporarily. Now we go to a couple of things a week but sometimes not for the whole session, depending on DD.

Silly thing but maybe she doesn't know how to react? So DS is 2.3 and a girl tried to nick his snack. He looked at me confused - I said do you want to give her some? He said no. So I said run away then. So that solved it for him. Other instances, kids have taken his toys and he looks to me as he doesn't know what to do. So I tell him to ask for it back and I'll also ask as the kid will more likely listen to me.

Worth a try?