how does your ds behave when at toddler groups?

[milkyman]

My 18mth spent the first half hour sitting on my lap looking cross, the next hour pulling scary faces, not joining in and then he hit a girl over the head with a plastic hammer. Please tell me is not just us

Um... ds used to lay on the floor and scream. When he wasn't doing that he expressed general dissatisfaction with the fact there were other toddlers present. Dd1 played with the toys etc. dd2 plays with her friends and tells me to go out side. Same group with all of them, far as I can see I did the same things but they....didn't.

DD tries to cuddle everything. Including the toys they're racing around on/playing with/playing a song with (I know....I know...) which doesn't always end well...

just remember part of the reason for going to these things is for them to learn by watching and by practice how to interact with others. it can be horrendous to experience but it is part of educating them! just make sure it is one that provides tea and biccies for mums and dads.

All children are different. Some get stuck in whilst others need time to watch then feel comfortable. He will settle keep at it , it's important for their social development.
Sit with him on the floor at the edge of the toys and let him play on your lap till he builds up confidence. Try to go to two groups a week. A week is a long time in their lives and may forget what they have experienced by the next week.

All DSs went thru a phase of hitting/violence at around 2.5-3yo. 2 of them outgrew it fairly quickly.