Our 3 just turned three year old boy is extremely resistant to trying anything new, or any kind of organised activity. This can range from the obvious ones of playing sports (which we dont push of course) to trying on new shoes in the shop, to basically doing anything suggested. Like drawing round his foot to get a template for shoe size. Putting on a fun mask that he wanted to put on, brought to me, then ran away at the last minute.
He is extremely bright,sociable, engaging with friends and strangers alike. Cheeky, great sense of humour and with a toddler's curiosity about the world. His behaviour is amazing, he will do things like read himself one last story (after we read to him) and rekiably put himself to sleep.
But if it comes to him needing to do something, he just clams up, makes a silly face and starts walking backwards or doing roly polys or similar. A diversion tactic...
We try everything... preparing him ahead of non avoidable tasks by discussing in the run up (but not too much). By explaining why things need to be done. By making games up or doing something myself and hoping he joins in. By walking the line of kind, gentle yet firm.
He is usually on board and excited! Until the event itself. Then he is like a horse on a lead rope that has decided not to move another inch.
We try to get him to talk about his feelings but he often comes out with something slightly nonsensical (I'm just a little bit lonely). We try to say that as long as he tries for a little bit, (toddler sport here, one he loves and is great at) that's all we want. Usually in this instance he is on the fence the whole time until the end when he is really sad it is over.
I know sports can be avoided, he is only 3 but this behaviour is both infuriating and worrying for me. (I keep my annoyance hidden very deep down unless it is something essential and ridiculous like meaurising his feet with a tape measure for much needed shoes).
I am concerned, seriously about nursery and school. We tried nursery when he was 2 and total disaster. There is a very legitimate family reason he hasn't gone this year, but next year we must try again, before school.
I'm just at my wits end. It just runs so deep, this stubborn and (scared?) streak. He was genuinely always the one baby doing something different at his baby classes, from 3 months old. Every single class, every single time. I feel like he is missing out on so so many silly things (like Halloween, he asked for a costume he then refused to put on) and selfishly, I look like a weak parent (although I know deep down this is a struggle for him and I must support,not chastise or make it about me).
Sorry this is rambling. FWIW there are absolutely no concerns about ASD..
Just tell me, has or does anyone have a child like this?? What did or do you do?? Any advice gratefully received