Scared of other toddlers

[chestnut1977]

My son is 2 years and 1 month.I have always encouraged him at playgroups and joined several groups.He still to this day cries when we go in and doesn't feel comfortable.It makes it so hard on me trying to get to know other mums and their toddlers.I have had to delay nursery (two mornings) until he is older as he just didn't want to know.It affected him emotionally aswell.Any other situations or events with just one or two childen (mainly pre-school) he seems fine.He just wants to go home before we even step inside the playgroups.He starts to enjoy it at the end but still enger to leave.Any comments or suggestions would be nice.Thank you!

[ineedahobby]

I think your only hope is perseverence.  Socialising doesnt come naturally to everyone, I dont think its a particularly rare problem at his age, Id just carry on as you are, involving him as much as possible in situations where he has to encounter  groups of children.  Whats he like on home territory?  maybe start off by inviting some other mums and their kids round to yours.  Good luck x

[spudqueen]

Every time that he cries to go home and you give in to him you make it harder for yourself the next time you go. I think that I would start by going to mother & toddlers towards the end (maybe 20 or 30 minutes before it ends). That way you (and the other parents only have to listen to him scream and cry for a short while, and also you are only taking him home when all the other children go home. Keep at this, (explaining to the other mums so they know what's going on) until he realizes that you're NOT going to take him home when he cries and he may aswell play. I'm sure that if you perservere you will be able to extend the sessions until you're there from the beginning. Once you've done this then you can think about nursery! I'm sure it won't be easy, but do persevere.

[spudqueen]

Oh, and do think about asking any Mums and their kids you meet round for coffee, if your son makes friends with another child it will be a great incentive to get him into mothers & toddlers by him knowing that his friend is there.

[chestnut1977]

Thank you for your response.I don't give in at all and he doesn't cry all the time.Its not even a cry its just "I want to go home" and being misable abit.He needs time to settle in so its important to be at an session for awhile not just 20mins.He does eventually play but to him watching is his play and nothing wrong with that.Things can only improve but i think i made my post seem worse then it is.