How can I encourage 2yo DS to join in?

[AKMD]

DS is 2.5. He goes to nursery every weekday morning and is then with me in the afternoons. In catch-up chats with his keyworker she says that he is a lovely little boy but he doesn't like joining in group activities like music time, preferring to do his own thing. He's the same way with me e.g. at Rhyme Time he will go and choose a book for me to read with him rather than join in the rhymes, or will just sit on my lap and not join in. At mini gym he will race around but isn't interested in the parachute games.

Are there any games DH and I can play with him at home to help encourage him to join in? I realise that he's only 2 but I am having PFB moments wondering how he will make friends at school if he won't join in :o

Let him do his own thing - he'll join in when he wants to.

I agree with Zule. Sounds perfectly normal. Playing together is a development milestone. Toddlers play alongside but not actually with others. He'll start playing with others when he grows up some more.

I agree! My DS has always been really shy (unless he knows you, then you can't stop him talking!) and not joined in groups so I stopped taking him and we did our own thing. Now, all of a sudden at 2.7 he has started talking to other kids at the playground and in shops and has really come out of himself! everyone is a friend.

Although I worried too I am now very pleased I let him do this in his own time. Am now signing up for a couple of toddler groups as I think he is ready and will enjoy making new friends.

All in their own time :)

Excellent, thankyou. I'll continue to offer him opportunities to socialise but won't worry.

DS1 was exactly like this. I spent many children's parties with him sat on my lap refusing to move. I persuaded begged and bribed but it made no difference.

A corner was turned when he went to tennis lesson (also ) aged 3. The coach was a quiet young man (late teens) who most parents felt was rubbish as he didn't really have control of the group, but DS1 did start to join in although was still reluctant in most other situation.

By the time he started school he would play with others provided they were doing what he wanted, but was happy to do his own thing alone if not.

He's now 11 and there are photos from his residential last week of him refereeing a football game in which the headteacher played !!! abseiling and doing the leap of faith. This term he has also been running a football club for the yr 3 & 4 children at school, even though he's pretty rubbish at football himself (that's why he volunteers to ref)

So like you say, keep giving him opportunities, but don't worry, these things work themselves out.