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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

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Original poster

Academically forward toddler :/ advice needed

74 replies

storm4mozza · 07/06/2014 08:01

Hi Guys.

Im new to this forum , have recently been on netmums and babyandbump though found myself needing extra support without judgment or being seen as 'showing off' which i find rather pathetic, since i am only speaking the truth.

I have two toddlers. a 3 year old boy and 1 and a half year old girl, both are academically forward, main issue right now is the 3 year old. He is counting to 380, writing his name and other names, he knows the whole alphabet and much more, the issue is i am finding it difficult to occupy him, the doctor and health visitor advised i try get a tuition for one to one support to occupy him, but i cannot afford it (they said no groups are available for his age group) and i cannot afford nursery and his space does not become available until September.

I go out at least 4/7 times a week, its when we are home im struggling i cannot seem to occupy them we do painting, cooking, baking, tone of toys, helping with housework, colouring and also work books (from home bargains) i need help when im in the house i have support off husband but kids get so bored i dont know what to do =(

The neighbour below us works nights and i feel we have to be quiet,, i know people are going to tell me to ignore him but he is a good man and it is easy to say ignore him but hard to actually do it since we are living in the situation :( I just want to cry right now plans got cancelled and i have no money there is a thunderstorm outside and i have no idea what to do

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Deverethemuzzler · 07/06/2014 08:45

I am really surprised anyone would suggest a tutor for a 3 year old. For what purpose?

He is already doing very well so he doesn't need tutoring. No three year old needs tutoring.

I agree with the posters who suggest you concentrate on physical play. Getting him out and letting him run around, messy play, soft play, anything that uses lots of energy.

Get him around lots of other children so he can develop his social skills. He is at the right age for playing with his peers.

Then when you get home and have lunch/tea/dinner you can do some writing, drawing, sums or whatever when he is calm.

Original poster

storm4mozza · 07/06/2014 08:45

Thankyou brave potato :) local aldi does empty boxes, looks like ill need to go box diving =D

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puddymuddles · 07/06/2014 08:45

I suggest just keeping him active, going to as many toddler groups as possible as well as park, soft play, letting him watch TV/DVDs for a short time each day - September is not far away, he sounds as if he really needs pre school and will love it there. Same for my DD who is 3 and starts pre-school in Sept too, she loves to be active and hates coming home after being outside, would want to be outside/socialise all day if she could. Can't write her name but knows alphabet and is a good talker for her age. I also have younger DD (16 months), when your other child is a bit older they may play together more which will occupy your older son too.

BravePotato · 07/06/2014 08:46

Also, kids learn a lot from playing freely, pos more than from worksheets.

Being academic is one thing, but also foster creativity!

Original poster

storm4mozza · 07/06/2014 08:47

thankyou Muzzler i dont know about the tuition i was confused myself to be fair, i wish he could go nursery but its not long until that will happen i do have some money in the bank (their banks) if i needed to buy anything to occupy them but im sure i can find some things around the house

OP posts:

Artandco · 07/06/2014 08:48

I don't think what he knows is the issue. I have a 3 year old who can count/ write/ read. However that means you don't need to focus as much on those things as he knows plenty.

You need to be out 7 days a week rather than 4. An hour in morning, hour late afternoon at minimum

Let him climb trees, find bugs ( can do a bug hunt), teach him tennis or football. Make a pretend campfire in woods or park. Feed ducks. Go to museums ( mine love all types).

I think regardless of weather you need to get out. If both Children spend say 9-10am outside running/ playing wherever and you can hide under umbrella most the time, then you will find the next few hours at home calmer as they have both burnt of energy so happier to paint/ read/ play. Then do the same again say 4-5pm. When weathers nice you can be out 3 hrs at a time.
Use the pram irregularly with youngest so he gets plenty of exercise also, takes longer but fine if you have time. Means they will both be ready for a nap or quiet time after lunch ( story CDs good here for eldest if doesn't nap, as well as books)

Helpys · 07/06/2014 08:48

Where are you OP? I'd love to make suggestions of activities you can take them to but it's very area dependant. We were out all day every day, and home in time for Countdown.

Original poster

storm4mozza · 07/06/2014 08:48

thankyou muddy puddles i think he finds it hard because most kids his age cant speak properly and he tries to speak with them and they do not understand him, so he feels isolated and gets frustrated

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BravePotato · 07/06/2014 08:50

Storm, I used to live in a 2 bed flat above an "eminent writer" who had afternoon naps. His wife asked us to be quiet between 2 and 5!

They used to play in empty suitcases too

But boxes and tubes are always a success

And shedloads of sellotape

Original poster

storm4mozza · 07/06/2014 08:52

ty Pichardy we do have buses just feel like taking them out every day im wearing myself out, (i ended up in hospital by over doing myself a few months back) the hospital said relax, easier said than done with two active toddlers they like cbeebies but then the 3 yr old will suddenly start changing the channels (hide text from him he knows how to use the tvo box ;( ) we are going to see if the library is open today see if we can find some good books

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Artandco · 07/06/2014 08:52

Does he like swimming? Good chance to turn off brain and learn new skill. We have always swam since babies so at 3 my youngest can swim now and loves swimming/ diving down for things/ play with brother/ us/ friends.

3 is a good age to learn as they have the muscle strength to actually learn usually. We swim 4/5 evenings a week.

lljkk · 07/06/2014 08:52

I had that age gap (& genders, even). Nobody was very clever but I used to go to the public parks for like 3-5 hours at a time. Took a bit of planning bringing lots of fruit & food.

I was grateful when they learnt to watch videos.

BravePotato · 07/06/2014 08:52

Maybe he can mix with slightly older kids?

ShoeWhore · 07/06/2014 08:53

Have you got any Lego yet OP? That is great for keeping them busy for hours.

I agree with pps that keeping this age dcs occupied is hard work! Esp in a flat.

When mine were little their favourite rainy day activity was making a den in the living room (even better if I let them have a picnic lunch in it) I also would let them watch a bit of TV, it's fine in moderation and stuff like Cbeebies is pretty educational.

EnglishRose1320 · 07/06/2014 08:56

yes cardboard tubes and boxes are great for all sorts of things, actually most household things can be turned into a game of some sort, my son (4) and his friend are currently playing a game which involves them both wearing oven gloves on their heads- no idea what the point is but they are very busy and are having a great time.

Original poster

storm4mozza · 07/06/2014 08:56

Birmingham

OP posts:

Original poster

storm4mozza · 07/06/2014 08:57

His sister enjoys swimming and he will consider it, though right now he is even scared of the bath the only issue is that me and husband cannot afford swimming

OP posts:

noblegiraffe · 07/06/2014 08:58

I think kids that age are hard to keep entertained regardless of how bright they are. Has he got a bike/scooter to extend the range you can walk?

Definitely can't stay in the house all day, that way madness lies. Kids need exercise and fresh air.

Tv is good to give you a break, CBeebies is (selectively) pretty educational, my DS practically taught himself to read from watching Alphablocks.

tinfoilhat · 07/06/2014 08:59

Another one who agrees with getting out and about rather than worksheets. 3 yr olds need to be playing and exploring!
Oh, but if you did decide on more worksheets, AVOID sparkle box at all costs! It was set up by a convicted paedophile and he still gets profits from it. There are plenty of other resource websites out there.

BalloonSlayer · 07/06/2014 08:59

I clicked on this thread wondering how many posts in would be the first "he doesn't sound all that clever to ME" one. Post four.

Well he sounds clever to ME.

Have you thought about getting some very first reading books? Because it sounds like he could pick up reading very easily.

Original poster

storm4mozza · 07/06/2014 08:59

Ty artando daughter doesnt like her pram though isnt quite ready to walk far, but your right, as long as we are not going on a large day trip she can run off the energy with her brother

OP posts:

Original poster

storm4mozza · 07/06/2014 09:04

ty baloon slayer he is spelling his name and my name etc i didn't think of reading.. will look at the library today :) thankyou to everyone else not sure how many more i can reply to BUT please note im still reading and appreciate everyones advice and views (even the critism is needed :D) thanx again gonna go get them dressed and ready for the library.. will let daughter walk wish me luck xD

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Thumbwitch · 07/06/2014 09:05

I was also going to suggest Lego. If he likes cars, perhaps there is a Lego car kit so he can build the car and then play with it. I would suggest Meccano (if that's even still around) but it has too many very tiny pieces, and however clever he is, not only is he still only 3, but he has a 1 yo sibling as well, so Meccano would probably be too hazardous (swallow hazard).

Rideronthestorm · 07/06/2014 09:10

I taught both mine to read when they showed promise. Job done - they had their noses in books until they started nursery.

Helpys · 07/06/2014 09:11

Are any of these near you OP?
List of Early Years centres
I'd start there for support and lists of groups, activities in parks, libraries, museums etc.

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