Too soon for last minute party invite?

[confusedlady10]

My son is in year two and moved to a new school 2 weeks after summer. He wasn’t making any long term friends and struggled due to his behaviour (where he lacks boundaries and finds it hard to keep still and focus).

Other kids found it overstimulating and bothersome and in turn he eventually found it hard to navigate and control himself in the environment he was in. We are waiting to get him assessed for ADHD and doing what we can to work on his behaviour in the meantime.

We started him at a new school for a fresh start and to try and make friends as so far he’s had a lukewarm start. The kids are playing with him, but he still lacks boundaries and tends to impulsively push and pull others whilst eager to play.

I’m thinking to message in the class chat that they added me to, asking if any of the parents/kids want to attend a last minute birthday party I am going to have for him at the end of next week and was thinking to host a soft play and just pay for a set amount of kids. I hesitated because I thought it would be too soon and with his behaviour wanted to wait a bit and see how the other kids are with him.

My dad is insisting I invite everyone and try to make him friends by doing so, but I think it would be a bit last minute and pushy. I’m quite shy and not sure if I should bother. Ideas?

It's got nothing to do with your dad, unless he's paying. A WhatsApp invitation sounds fine.

It's totally normal to invite everyone, and while some people might not be able to come, a lot will, so go for it.

So if posting in the class WhatsApp then you are asking the whole class, which is what your father suggests? So you’re doing it anyway. So is your concern having the party this soon into the school year or asking everyone? I’d do it now, but be sure to give a deadline for RSVPs (you may have to chase) for final numbers.

It's quite short notice for a party so you may find some people can't make it! Also, a party can be a hectic and overstimulating environment if your little boy struggles with behaviour. If you want to help him make friends, I would start by inviting a friend for a playdate at home, he may find one to one easier and you can have activities to keep them occupied and be on hand to supervise and remind your little boy to play nicely and not push/pull/grab.

Thank you, sounds better to me.