We found with our 2E boy (now 10) that we needed to cultivate the skill of being interested in what interests others. This didn't mean shutting off his own interests, but reading situations: realizing that other children on the playground may not be interested in obscure astronomy facts, and recognizing that their games are fun too.
Deedee, this is especially helpful. Other than Cub Scouts, what other activities have you tried ? I am looking for ideas.
I don't want him to conform, for the sake of conforming, but I do want him to have good friends, as he grows older. Yesterday, he asked another boy whether the other boy wanted to race, but the other boy refused. So, even for regular things at the playground, he sometimes plays alone. Yesterday he just decided to race against himself (and timed his races, with my help). Which is good (that he is not fazed by rejection), but I wish he had a peer group going.
We are hoping as he moves from elementary into middle and high school we will be able to find more like-minded peers. But we are happy that he also knows how to engage with other kids, regardless of interest. We think of it as "protective coloring."
This is something I have as a goal for my child, so your post was especially helpful (and reassuring) to read.
And I don't foresee her choice of play changing much in the near future. Last night she made a book of puzzles. Then she sat down with her dad and challenged him to complete them. She does this sort of stuff CONSTANTLY. It is her "play".
Kelly, yes, but does she change her play to suit others ? Or, does she play their way for 20 minutes and then does her own thing ?
He is so glad to be a teen who doesn't have to play anymore with kids who won't play "right".
My son says this a lot -- he wishes that he could just play his way.
Ds6 (just finished k) had a hard time with this. He does like Star Wars and Ninjago, but more to know everything about it. Then he uses this to play with other kids. I think some kids didn't like this (Esp when ds would read their books to them.) he then tried excessive silliness, because he does wants kids to play with him.
Yes, all of this, down to reading to know more about the subject at hand.
I will continue to expose him more kids, varied interests, throughout the summer, and hope it improves with explicit instructions and practice (when we are out and about)
