Wish dd was a bit warmer

[Notsoyummymummy1]

Dd is 2.6 and isn't very affectionate she hates cuddles and is like a cat that doesn't want to be picked up. When she's around other children she's very wary of them and goes very quiet and serious. We take her to the park with her cousin of the same age and the cousin is laughing and playing but whilst dd plays she looks frankly depressed the whole time. Is this something she will grow out of or us it a sign she is going to have problems with interacting? Don't want to make a big deal of if but can't help wishing she was more affectionate and outgoing like other children. She seems to enjoy things more when it's just me and her - I'm a SAHM.

My daughter does not give hugs or kisses. Only once in a blue in moon she will run up and give me a kiss. She turned 2 in June. When in the park she often stares at the other children playing or sometimes in her own little world playing but keeps eye on the kids. She is playful at home with her young brother sometimes but very much likes to be on her own playing or with me. I think as her courage builds up as she gets older, I would like to be comfortable around new faces in a safe place like school etc.

My dd (3.5) is also quite a serious little thing and until very recently wouldn't interact with other children at all (at 2.5 she'd cry if another child tried to play with her). On fairground rides she'd sit there with a look of grim concentration - and then talk about how much fun it was afterwards. I was very similar as a child though and I can remember feeling really embarrassed and ashamed when people used to say 'did you get put of the wrong side of the bed?' or 'cheer up love it might never happen' - I was happy in my own way but not very good at showing it obviously! So I'm trying to just let dd be. It annoys me when her granny tries to chivvy her into looking like she's having fun by telling her to laugh or smile.
She's made huge progress with other children lately though - it's like something's just clicked. Sounds strange but I think watching tv programmes where children interact (she loves Topsy and Tim and went through a woolly and tig phase too) really helped. We also have a book called 'join in and play' which also seemed to help. She will now play with others and even seem to be enjoying it sometimes! Try some tv programmes showing children being sociable, and just keep offering her opportunities to be around others without any pressure, and hopefully she'll get there when she's ready.

Thank you both - that's very reassuring xx