2 yr old doesn't interact much with other children

[ladyofthelake]

My dd 2.2 is reasonably outgoing with adults, but with children her own age she is quite reticent. She tends to cling on to my legs initially, and then just observes what is going on while all the others run around together. She shows no interest in joining her friends, although she talks about them afterwards.

Her recent nursery report described her as 'quietly confident' and stated that she plays alongside other children happily.

I know it's a bit early for her to be properly playing with others, but I wonder if this tendency to just stand back and watch is normal. I don't have any other worries about her as she is generally content and engaged with the world around her.

What can I do to encourage socialisation, should I be arranging more play dates one to one at home, or is there anything else that might help her 'come out of her shell'?

Any thoughts welcome, thanks.

Yes it is compleatly and utterly normal and I would leave her get on with it in her own time she will start to play with others.

She is doing something called spectator play where she is watching how others play this a step towards playing with otheres.

Children of 2 will often play alone called solitary play .

She may also play alongside another child but not with them this is called parallel play.

I have seen som children in recption who still are parallel playing at 5 its just a stage of development.

Thanks - that's reassuring. I am keen for her to get on with other children, she may end up being an only child so I feel it's important she has good relationships.