What has happened to my happy toddler? Ds is 2.3 and for a few weeks now is clingy at playgroups, and uneasy around the kids, also very paranoid about whichever toy he is playing with, and brings it to me for storage. He is slightly younger than other boys who are more boisterous and push and sometimes hit to get their way. Ds likes playing chase games with them, but will run to me if overwhelmed. How can I encourage his confidence, I normally intervene and tell off the other kid if he is being pushed/hit. Not sure I am handling it right. Until a month or so ago, he was very confident at all the groups, busied himself and certainly did not cling to me. Has had a series of bugs, so maybe a bit out of shape, but would love to hear from mums who have boys who are not (not yet anyway)boisterous.