I've just come back from the pre-school sports day. And I feel like an emotional wreck.
I have two sons.
DS1 is 4.5. He is a very senstive child and has never liked joining in things. He just wants to sit with me until it's all over and then gets upset when he hasn't had a turn. For ages people have been telling me 'it's an age thing'. But it's not. Because he's been like this since birth.
Apparently in the prep for sports day, he has taken part and won most races. He loves it. Today though, I was there. Cue immediate meltdown, beside himself crying. Staff eventually managed to get him to sit with the other kids but he wouldn't take part in the races. He finally did towards the end, but fairly reluctantly.
DS2 is 2.10. He is not the same as his older brother, but I think he copies his behaviour. So race one, he joined in. Thereafter he just wanted to sit on my lap and cry. And fair enough, he's only little so I let him.
My question is, what's the best way to deal with kids like this? I see other children who really enjoy joining in - whether its dancing, sports day races, football, party games, whatever. It's something fun. My guys just sit and cry.
I want to build their confidence somehow but it seems that no matter which approach I take, it's wrong. I want to weep. I honestly feel like I must be failing them in some way. That I'm not giving them the praise/support/whatever they need. Help
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Calling all parents with children who won't join in.
12 replies
JoshandJamie · 15/07/2008 12:58
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