My daughter, who is 3, has a habit of going right up to strangers and their kids and inserting herself into whatever they are doing. For example, a mom and her child were sitting down at the library doing school work in the children's center. My daughter went up to them, says hi and introduces herself, and decided she'd sit with them at the table. I didn't notice right that second because I was watching little sister, but as soon as I did I went over and told her she needed to get down and come back over with me. The mom said that she was fine and that she was really sweet, so I let her stay, but.. I feel like that was the wrong thing of me to do.

She also does this at the park, going up to parents and their kids that are playing and forcing herself into their play. Or, strangely enough, just standing around having a conversation with another parent.

I have terrible social instincts. I never really know what to do other than try to redirect her, or worse case scenario, carry her kicking and screaming away when the other people are visible annoyed. She is incredibly stubborn when it comes to this. Often times if she refuses to listen we just pack up and leave. It's really anxiety inducing.

I don't want to take away her ability to be social. I was SO shy as a kid, and still am (which is probably why this is such a huge problem for me). But I also want to make sure she knows acceptable social etiquette!

Am I overreacting over this? Is this normal behavior? I / we never get approached by other preK aged kids. Other kids seem to stick with their parents so I'm left feeling like I just have no control over my child.

Fellow parents of preschoolers, what would you do?