2 yr. old not participating in group games

[Mrs. Kelly]

I have a 2 yr. old who wanders off to do his own thing when other children sit and listen or are doing a group activity.  My son's caregiver has told me that when she is reading stories to the group of children, my son isn't interested he will go off and play with toys or do his own thing. He won't sit and colour for any length of time either. We were at a campground and there was an activities organizer who rounded up all the kids and had them form a circle and she asked the kids to sing songs with her by repeating after her and turn around in circles, clap their hands, etc. My son just stood and watched everyone else but wouldn't do what they were doing. I also went to his play group's "graduation", all of the kids sat in their chairs and watched and listened as the 4 yr olds got their diplomas (after which the 3 yr. olds, 2 yr olds. received their's) - my son again on both occasions, wouldn't sit down for any length of time...he wandered off to play with toys on his own instead. He is a very active and intelligent little boy, talks a blue streak, knows his colours, how to count to 15, knows just about every animal sound. We are a very social family, we visit our family and friends often and they visit us. He is an only child, we take him to a daytime caregiver who looks after 3 other children (two are her own). Is my son's behaviour considered normal for a 2 yr. old, what can I do to improve the way he interacts/participates within a group and group activities??

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

I wouldn't worry about this. Your son is not acting in an abnormal way. Sure, some two-year-olds will do the sorts of things you listed, but many will behave exactly like he does. These days, with so many children in daycare and pre-school settings, we come to think of young children as more socially capable than they actually are from a developmental point of view. Just keep exposing him to normal activities and experiences and he will likely be fine.

[Mrs. Kelly]

This is a great forum, I think I already knew the answer to my question, it was nice to have a professional provide the affirmation - very reassuring.