Trying to socialise a 2.5yr old...

[kdibiase80]

Dear all -

My son is struggling to play well with other children. He hates other children even playing separately in his vicinity....! He finds it impossible to share and lashes out at others regularly, eg. pushing, punching, scratching, kicking.

We often get reports of this at nursery and as a result, I am trying to take him to more soft play sessions and toddler groups on our days off together so I can monitor his behaviour, encourage him to behave more appropriately and invite the possibility of either of us making some friends! These occasions are just becoming so stressful though, normally resulting in hysterics from him and is leaving after 3 warnings.

I don't know what to do - I'm 6mths pregnant with number 2 and very low at the moment. Help!

Kelly. X

He's very small yet...have you any friends you could ask to play on a one to one basis? That might be less stressful.

My DD didn't like other children at 2.5 (except one she'd known since a baby and her two rarely seen cousins). DS was born when she was just 3 and she started preschool then (a few half days). It took a long time for her to 'make friends' but by the time her brother was walking they were both really sociable and confident. She used him as a shield, but also as a way in - she would introduce him to people or ask if he could play.
She's nearly six now and has nice friends and can be confident in lots of situations.

Basically, I don't think you need to do anything special. The confidence they get from just being loved by you at that age is important.