I cannot get a 2 year old to PLAY

[Dotwel]

I've had a two year old boy in my care for almost a year now. Despite having lots of different toys, books, equipment, etc., I cannot get him to interact and actually play. He will quite literally stand in one spot for hours. I've tried getting on the floor with him, having the other kids interact with him, putting something in his hands, all to no avail.

He is 28 months old. His mom says he's active and vocal at home. He WILL NOT communicate, speak or interact here.

I have spoken with his parents about this multiple times, but they seem indifferent to it.

What else can I do to get this boy to move and be active?

[torontokids]

Does he interact in any way with you or with the group? Does he sit on the rug at circle time? Laugh when hearing a story? Participate in group activities? What is his language like? Is he delayed in other areas?

[3rdtimesacharm]

Wow that is odd, after he has been there for a year!? Has it always been the same friends at daycare, or have they changed recently? How is he during lunch time, does he ever speak? Does he make eye contact with you or the others? Antisocial behaviour could be a cause of an underlying disorder....

[5 Little Monkeys]

I have one whose been here since last June (he's 20 months now) and he is fairly quiet here. He tends to play alone or on the side lines. He sits in the library chairs and reads a lot. Although, he is slowly starting to come out of his shell. Outside is a different story though...he's off and running and plays a lot with the kids. I've commented to mom about it and she said at home he is always busy and playing loudly.

I think maybe it's just a numbers thing...he's an only child so I wonder if maybe sometimes the other kids overwhelm him? Outside he has more room to run and play and he really loves the outdoors so it's more in his comfort zone.

[Dotwel]

He doesn't really interact with the group. Some days he will just sit with a toy/book/anything and not move at all, despite encouragement from myself and the other kids. He does not speak here, no communication at all. I will as yes/no answers, he sometimes nods, but most of the time his nod is "wrong."

There have been no changes in routine or children. I am an lnr, so only have 3 kids total. During circle time, he doesn't participate. No laughing, movement, engagement.

His mother does assure me he's active and chatty at home.

Ideas on how to help him break out of his shell here? Other than possible underlying issues, that mom says he is fine, could there be attachment issues, situational "hermit-ness," or situational uber introvert?

[5 Little Monkeys]

I also only have 3-4 children. Yours sounds like mine but mines not as quiet. He will laugh and engage with us, just not as often as others. He will be playing nicely but when mom or dad comes he becomes quiet and non talkative...it's a bit odd lol but I've never considered it to be an issue to be honest.

I'm not sure what you can do other than invite him to play with the group. It will be up to him if he wants to or not. This might just be his personality?