Concerned about behaviors - immaturity or something else

[Sharon333]

We are struggling with some odd behaviors or habits my 9 year son has.  He plays imaginary play with his fingers at the dinner table, breakfast table lunch etc, plays imaginary sword fighting often at home and sometimes out in public like grocery shopping or at a park even if other kids are around.  He twists his hair constantly (doesn't pull it out just twists) and will fold his ears over and over until they are red.  He does it while playing on the computer or reading a book so it looks like habits but he is very socially immature - he doesn't seem to have a clue how others are viewing his behavior.  He is academically very smart and has been doing these things for years.  He has a wonderful imagination and so we have been thinking he is just a late bloomer but now noticing his twin sisters age 6 don't do any of the things he is doing.  Any ideas?
what can we do to change any of these?

[Sharon333]

Thanks so much ladies -- I feel a bit better hearing other children are still doing these sorts of behaviors at this age - maybe it is just more of a boy thing and late bloomer...  will try not to worry and enjoy the innocence

[cbs62]

My 6 year old son does the whole wind up and pitch motion the entire time he watches TV...all the time.  I don't think he even knows he's doing it.  I LOVE that he's getting rid of some of that excess energy many boys his age have!  I wouldn't worry about it at all.
C.

[needadvice195]

Sounds like he has a terrific imagination!  I wouldn't worry about - sounds normal to me.  My boys are around the same age as he is and they do that type of thing all the time.  It's great that he is not inhibited so as to sword fight in stores.  As for bad habits like pulling ears - have you tried gently reminding him when you see him do it?  Just gently like - hey don't beat up on your ears... - just a little talk about trying to stop the habit, then don't make it an issue - its more likely to continue if you do.  As for social immaturity, boys are slower than girls and everyone is different.  My boys are very different from one another too.  He sounds like a good kid and perfectly normal to me - don't worry...