Hi
Just had a playdate over and ds (just two) was a complete nightmare. He whined a lot, and every time the other little one came over he had a meltdown. She tried to pinch him at one stage and he just totally lost it (even though I made out she was just being friendly ) He used to be like this but had grown out of it and has been fine at nursery - the staff aren't at all worried about him and once he gets to know specific children and trust them he seems happier.
I think he dislikes boisterous (i.e. most) toddlers - as we had similar when a little boy came over the other day who was into everything and trampling around everywhere.
Ds is unusually sensible - takes care of things, doesn't touch the computer, e.g. if he puts the music on and wants to change the CD (which we allow him to as he is sensible) he takes the old one out and carefully puts it in a CD case!)
So when typical boisterous toddlers come over I think he just doesn't understand why they are trying to trash everything and also maybe feels threatened that his space has been invaded by a more confident child who is running around with his toys?
He definitely has also had a thing about me talking to my friends when he is in this situation and I think he gets jealous so tries to get attention.
Not sure what I am asking here but it was all very stressful and I'm kind of wondering if I should just avoid playdates or keep trying and hope he'll get used to it all regardless of what type of child is over?
I could of course just invite more similar kids to him instead of boisterous ones but this doesn't seem practical as sometimes it is my long standing friends we are having over with their children and so I can't be so picky!
Bit worried he is destined to be a loner all his childhood!
Strangely we had a massive birthday party for him and loads of kids came and adults and he loved it....
Sorry to ramble on!!
Any tips/ ideas?