Ages that Just Don't Work

The Talker likes to play with all of the kids in the neighborhood. He is 3 1/2 years old. The kids he wants to play with most are 4 1/2 to 6 years old. They used to play pretty well together. But I am becoming convinced that there are some ages where kids need to wear shirts saying "Does Not Play Well With Others". I am just not sure which kids should wear the shirt first.

The Talker plays rough. He likes to play chase and tackle and games that involve falling down. I know that turns off some kids. And we keep him reigned in pretty tight when the others don't want to play the same way. But it usually works OK, since the neighborhood is full of boys who are just as active.

Except most of the boys are older. And they don't want to play with a younger kid. Especially when there are other options. That leaves our boy trying to keep up as the other kids play games that don't involve a 3 1/2 year old tornado.

For the time being, The Boss Lady and I are trying to figure out if it is really just a matter of age. Hopefully so, and hopefully it will get better in time. For now, The AtHomeFamily is taking a hiatus from the evening neighborhood playtime.