Clay- yes- we've had that happen too- Nick is 2.5 yo, and looks like a 4 yo, so if he's happily playing with a 4 yo, it really doesn't look like the older child is just being "kind" IYKWIM?
He gets on really well with 4-7 yos as far as pretend play and carrying on long conversations.
We are not so fortunate to have neighbors with kids- we are REALLY rural. So we go to the library, parks, beach and let him play with the kids there. He's always been frustrated with the younger set, even when he was 1 yo. I tried putting him in a daycare setting for 3 hours a day so I could get just a little income, and he was so ANGRY to be in a room of "babies". Sort of like he's a 30 yo frustrated to be in a 2.5 yo's body...??
I like your plan- my LO is good at sports and really coordinated, I may need to look at classes/groups to help him make more like minded buddies. I'm just sad to see him ready socially and not finding peers in his local group... whereever we go the other parents are shocked at his vocab and physical prowess. He stands out. sigh.
JJ's Mom. I hear you! Doesn't it drive you bonkers when parents aren't supervising??? argh!
