2.5yo is this normal?

[CupEmpty]

my 2.5yo is obsessed with other children, in a way that seems over the top. None of her friends/ peers seem to be like this. She absolutely loves playing with/ following other children about, no matter what their age or whether she knows them. She will run up to other children in the park/ social events and just be desperate to be included in whatever they are doing, even older kids like 10-11yrs. It’s impossible to prise her away from them and always results in tantrums. With friends she will just avidly stare/watch what they do and copy. I know it doesn’t sound like much but she just comes across as really intense and it can put other children off.

she goes to play school / forest school 4 mornings a week with about 10-15 other children so is socialised. Does anyone have any experience like this?

I wouldn't worry she's only 2.5years
My DS has started being really keen making friends and he's probably abit full on too with other kids at times, he's v confident but he's just v enthusiastic and he's very..spirited! I don't see that as a bad thing at this stage

all children are really different

Have nursery commented on anything - if you're really concerned I would just ask for their thoughts on how she's getting on and I'm sure that will reassure you everything's fine

Sounds normal to me. Is she your only dc? Dd is an only and what I like to call an extroverted introvert. She’s always loved people and used to be how you describe. she’s in Y2 now and still fascinated with older kids and can often be caught edging herself towards trying to join in with teenagers at the park!

They just don’t understand the social cues at that age and you have to be the guider/bad guy. If they haven’t got a sibling around to have to navigate all the usual sharing/squabbling they have zero negative feelings when faced with other children if they’re generally sociable anyway.

We’re quite fortunate in that we’ve multiple cousins we’ve spent extended breaks with which has given her a taste of the more brutal group interactions!

Keep doing what you’re doing and be mindful that socialisation is important to your dc so you can make sure they’re getting plenty of opportunity.