Can other 2yr olds sit still when required?

[sar302]

Started a new toddler class aimed at 2-3 yr olds - DS has just turned 2 within the last couple of weeks.

The class seems to involve periods of sitting for 10mins or so to listen to the group leader talking about a topic and looking at stuff, then an activity, then another 10mins of sitting, then activity. I cannot get my DS to sit still for that long! The others are all much closer to 3 and are managing the sitting, and DS just ends up being disruptive.

Part of me thinks I should just go and do something else I know he'd like! But I'm also not sure if this is something he'd get better at with practise? Or whether it's too much to expect developmentally at this stage and to try again in 6 months?

He's my first, so I have no idea! Plus it's a paid class - with a waiting list - and I don't want to wreck it for the rest of them.

Any advice appreciated.
Anyone have a

Find a new class. No, they shouldn’t have to sit still for ten minutes! No doubt there will be some who can, but most can’t and shouldn’t have to!
Try forest school or something instead.

That sounds really boring for your toddler.

I took my DS to toddler ballet last week and the 2yos there couldn't even stand still and listen for more than about a minute, it was chaos. DS can sit for a while now but he's at the upper end of 2. He would still probably get bored in your class. How about gymnastics instead? Or saving your money for nice walks to nice cafes for cake

Both of mine could. One was very lively and one was quiet. You have to practise it a bit though. Both of mine could sit and listen to stories for 20 mins or so from about 18 months and we did this every single day, multiple times a day. (So stories say 3 times a day for 20 mins each). You can start at 5 mins and build up.
For group classes I would have my livelier DS sit on my lap and I would whisper into his ear.
Kids are fairly smart so you can always tell them ‘when it’s sitting time in this class you must sit.’ And try to enforce it. At first it may be a few minutes and he starts but it will get better. But ideally the practice starts at home. I have done simple board games, crafts, play dough etc with both of mine (I work FT so it’s about when I can fit it in) from when they were small. I found it a good habit to get into especially before bed and made things like long haul flights and eating out easier.
As you also said it might be that he’s just not interested in the class per se and would prefer to do something else. But regardless you can start introducing the idea from when they are little.

I nannied for twins who until they were over 3, barely managed to join in with the singing at the end of baby groups, let alone sit still for ten minutes!

DD couldn't have done this at just turned 2, but is closer to 3 now and would be fine provided the activities between give her the chance to move around. A lot has changed in the last 6 months.

2 year olds are not designed to sit still

Think it varies by child.. my daughter is not one for sitting still! But she is getting better at it. She’s 2.5 now & in certain situations will sit for 5/6 minutes. I think nursery helps as they do story time on the carpet and she of course happily follows the rules at nursery!

But a couple of her little pals are real sitters. They’ll watch a whole movie or listen to numerous stories! My daughter would be a horror in the cinema 😂

Glad to hear this is fairly standard 2yr old behaviour, and mine isn't defective

I think we will do something different - there are plenty of lovely things to do locally - it seems like a waste of time to plough on with something neither of us is enjoying.

It sounds like he'll do more sitting naturally as he gets a bit older.

Thanks all!

OP a leader of a group I took my 2 year old called her “busy”....babies and toddlers that can sit still in these classes utterly baffle me. I guess every kid is different but mine was running around, trying to open doors. In the end I sacked off groups and took a soft play membership!