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Original poster

I know I’m being silly, but might this upset you a tiny bit?

96 replies

ChooseYourLameName · 17/11/2020 11:20

DC is 3 today. It’s now gone 11am and still no interest in the pile of presents laid out for him.

I feel really sad, that he just isn’t interested. I long to have an excited child. Christmas is even worse I’d love nothing more than to have to tell him to tone it done with his wish list (obviously not a written one).

I know this is just how he is but I feel a bit robbed when it comes to these occasions.

I tried encouraging him to look and he was quite pissed I’d tried interrupting breakfast time of toast and smoothie!

OP posts:

CuriousaboutSamphire · 17/11/2020 11:24

A pile of presents always scared me as a kid. Try presenting them one at a time throughout the day, maybe hide a couple!

The bright side is you have a non materialistic kid!

Bunnymumy · 17/11/2020 11:25

Well it's really his first experiences of prezzoes where he might have some comprehension tbf. I think if he realises there is things in them he enjoys, he might remember this and be more excited come Christmas. If not, next year for sure.

In a few years you'll probably eat your words here too lol.

yellowmaoampinball · 17/11/2020 11:25

Aw, he's still so little! The excitement may come as he gets older. Is it a big pile of presents? Maybe he's a bit overwhelmed? Could be that if you take them all away except one he could be more interested?

Original poster

ChooseYourLameName · 17/11/2020 11:26

Honestly, I should’ve just wrapped a load of different chocolates up! Maybe he would show an interest to unwrap if he saw me unwrapping chocolate or cheese

OP posts:

Original poster

ChooseYourLameName · 17/11/2020 11:27

It isn’t a big pile, just 6 presents. He isn’t really interested in toys so he’s hard to buy for. Other people’s kids I often get carried away as I know I can walk into a shop and find loads they’ll like

OP posts:

Audreyseyebrows · 17/11/2020 11:27

He’s only young, he has no idea what the fuss is about! I bet if you open one and give him the present he will like it!

MrsMigginsMate · 17/11/2020 11:28

Second the idea of spreading them out. DD disliked the spotlight and focus on her when she opened a big pile.

Whatwouldscullydo · 17/11/2020 11:29

Aw don't take it personally.

The pressure to "perform" is too much for kids really.

Its not that they aren't interested or ungrateful , they just prefer to do it in their own time.

AlternativePerspective · 17/11/2020 11:29

does he have SN?

I’ve read numerous of these types of posts on the SN boards over the years hence why I’m asking.

If so then I think it’s understandable that you might be grieving for the child you thought you were going to have, and a bit sad that you’re not getting these moments as many do.

BearSoFair · 17/11/2020 11:31

Reminds me of DD when she was little and we showed her the Christmas tree that 'the elves' had put up overnight...she looked it up and down, went 'hmm', and toddled back off to bed She used to be quite overwhelmed with presents too, wasn't unusual for her to spread them over a few days, I think it was just a bit too full on and too much to take in in one go. Around 5/6 she really started to get more into it!

Original poster

ChooseYourLameName · 17/11/2020 11:31

Alternative He has suspected ASD, but all speech and language and testing stopped that he was suppose to have because of COVID. I just feel left in the dark. Horrible time in general, but I’m usually great day to day. It’s milestones like this that really pull at me, ridiculous I know

OP posts:

ImaSababa · 17/11/2020 11:32

I'd much rather that than a grabby, greedy child.

Bunnymumy · 17/11/2020 11:36

Just thinking, he's a fellow scorpio (my birthday tomorrow xD). I hear we like to do things in our own time, without other people dictating. Stubbirn sorts. Also tend to live in our own little worlds in our heads lol. Happy birthday to your wee fella!

Maybe if you go over and pretend to be very interested in the presents, but in a way that you are just talking to yourself, not trying to entice him...he will be curious. Then you could try pretending to open one and struggling "ooft I cant open" and see if he starts to try to help. He might be too young but I just wonder if you acting curious (but as if it's none if his buisness) might entice him.

stopringingme · 17/11/2020 11:38

My DD who has Autism did not want to open a present for any occasion - so I put them away and just gave her one at a time, one Christmas the present opening took 3 days.

Last Christmas when she was 6 was the first time she was actually interested and opened all her presents in one day and then wanted more !

Tenyearsgone · 17/11/2020 11:39

@ImaSababa

I'd much rather that than a grabby, greedy child.

A child excited by their birthday presents is not a greedy grabby child.

Blueberries0112 · 17/11/2020 11:39

@ChooseYourLameName

DC is 3 today. It’s now gone 11am and still no interest in the pile of presents laid out for him.

I know this is just how he is but I feel a bit robbed when it comes to these occasions.

I tried encouraging him to look and he was quite pissed I’d tried interrupting breakfast time of toast and smoothie!

I wouldn't worry about it. He is three. Although my daughter was never super excited about presents and still isn't

greenlynx · 17/11/2020 11:40

He’s only 3, suspected ASD or not they are often excited about something simple at this age and don’t know what to do with the “proper “ toys. And if he’s the only child he probably has lots of toys and doesn’t bother.

emilyfrost · 17/11/2020 11:41

Please ignore this, OP. Astrology is a load of bollocks; being a “Scorpio” has no bearing on your sons personality or behaviours.

Listen to all the other helpful replies.

Bunnymumy · 17/11/2020 11:42

Of course it's alload if bollocks. Irlt was just meant as a bit if lightheartedness, no need to be a knob.

YouCantBeSadHoldingACupcake · 17/11/2020 11:43

My ds is 3 today as well. Happy Birthday!! My older ds has asd, and he not only isn't interested but actively hates birthdays, so I get how hard it can be

SuperbGorgonzola · 17/11/2020 11:43

Definitely spread them out. My DS does like presents but he doesn't like the "now look at this one, what about this one!" process. He's better just enjoying the one he has opened then going back when he's ready.

Bunnymumy · 17/11/2020 11:46

Maybe you could wrap the chocolate and then unwrap it infront of him. So he gets the idea that presents have nice things in them.

emilyfrost · 17/11/2020 11:48

@Bunnymumy

Of course it's alload if bollocks. Irlt was just meant as a bit if lightheartedness, no need to be a knob.

If you agree it’s all a load of bollocks, why spout it?

I wasn’t “being a knob”; some people really are stupid enough to believe in that sort of thing and it can be quite dangerous thinking. So of course I’m going to call it out when I see it.

Bunnymumy · 17/11/2020 11:53

I'll restrain myself from suggesting she bathe the child in the blood of a virgin and dip him in the river sticks then. Incase op takes it seriously xD

Lucygucy · 17/11/2020 11:56

My DD has just turned 4 and didn't really understand what her birthday was. She did understand the presents concept because her sister was 'helping' to open them. He is only just 3 so he may just not get it yet. I'm sure he will in time though.

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