Why is my 2 yr old the only one who sits on my knee during playgroup?!

[milkyman]

He loves his 2 mornings at nursery but sits on my knee at playgroup and wants to go home. I was like this as a child and struggled for years with shyness - will he be the same?

Bump

Are you hurt that none of the other toddlers want to sit on your knee at playgroup?
Sorry - just the way I read your heading! I'm sure it's just shyness, don't give up going - he'll get there in the end.

Not necessarily - I was very much like that too when I was little, and DD1 was showing she would be equally shy and clingy. But she's now 4 and has been at a big nursery 4 days a week since she was quite little - and she is like a different girl. So much more brave and sociable than me, either at that age or now, actually! Wouldn't have predicted that one..

Ours was like this too at 2, but now at 3 is much more independent at playgroups. she will happily play on the other side of the room, talk to other children etc. she is probably still shyer than some and likes to hold my hand when we first go in, but that seems fine to me. I was worried but I don't think there was any need.

Ds liked to watch at a safe distance when he was that age. Once he knew whatnto expect he became more outgoing. At 4yo he now virtually never shuts up, offers his opinion about anything and everything and is what i would describe as an extrovert. It's almost like he just needed that reassurance while he was finding his way in the world and while lots was new to him and that gave him the confidence to go out and explore more. It's probably a very good sign that your ds trusts you implicitly not to force things on him. In time he'll most probably gain confidence and you'll be longing for the days when you could have a cuddle!

Hang in there. My dd1 was a Velcro baby and then wouldn't leave my side at playgroups or parties as a toddler. From around 3ish her confidence grew. She is 5 now, has happily waved me off very day of reception and loves nothing more than going in play dates without me. I wouldn't have believed it was possible a few years ago!

DS's best friend is like this quite often. They are two. His mum thinks it is because he is at nursery those other mornings of the week and she works some evenings. So when he gets the chance he wants to be close to her.

Is it that he doesn't want to be by the other children or that he doesn't want to be away from you?

Mine was. He is not shy at all now he is six. :)

Dd1 was like this until she could talk really well. It's like she didn't have the confidence to really venture off until she knew she could communicate if that makes sense.