3rd birthday

[Iwishiwasaprincess]

Hi,

I'm new here and hoping for some advice. I am just starting to consider my son's 3rd birthday.

He has SN (not diagnosed) and lives in the 'here and now'. It's impossible to talk to him about what he might like or not like.

We've been to a few birthday parties of 'friends' (In honesty, he doesn't have any friends, they are just friends of mine who have friends of a similar age) which have been a bit of a nightmare. He doesn't really interact with other children and EVERYTHING is on his terms. In pretty much every case, we've had to leave before the end, because my son is ready to leave.

I'm at a loss as to what to buy him for his birthday. He can't tell me what it is he wants, but I want to buy him something.

I really need some advice please.

Are his needs physical as well, as in does he have any mobility problems which might restrict his ability to play with something? Is he an active child or does he prefer sensory activities?

these are often very popular and calming.

I've also heard wonderful things about these and they help balance and co-ordination too.

Something for the garden? A swing or slide? Or something like this so he can have his own private quiet space to play in?

Thankyou, Jellybeans.

He has no physical problems (in anything, he is far too physically well developed) so the ride on trike might be just what I'm looking for.

I'd love to get him a trampoline, but I have neither the space or the money . Same goes for slide or swing.

I'm not even sure he really understands it's his birthday.

That must be really upsetting for you and you have all my sympathy :( But he's still only young and lots of 3 year old might not really 'get it' at that stage. He's got plenty of time left to grasp the concept in the years ahead. Lots of children aged 3 don't really voice suitable opinions on what they want for their birthdays or understand what the meaning is.

The best thing you can do for him now his spoil him rotten and make his birthday seem very special to him.

Have you tried taking him to SN trampolining classes? They're offered in quite a few sports centres - it's called rebound therapy and can be brilliant for aiding concentration and physical awareness. It might help to calm him and have a lot of fun too :)

Thankyou.

I've never heard of rebound therapy, but I know already that my son would respond positively, so I will look and see if I can find a local class.

I am planning to organise a BIG party for him, in a place I know he will feel safe / secure. Partly, because I want my son to feel special and also, in part, to thnk all the people who've invited him to their parties. He is not easy to deal with, I appreciate that.

I just listen to so many people saying that they are so pleased because this year, their children can ask for what they want and appreciate it and my son doesn't

Iwish my DS1 (3.9) is still non verbal so understand how you are feeling. It's taken a while but I know what DS1 likes now (most of the time!) so he is still happy on his b/day, even if he doesn't 'get it' like his peers do.

I have got him things like Moon Sand, Mr potato head, marble run, water table/sand table for outside. He likes trains now so he got lots of thomas tank engine stuff. He had a little wooden train set before the thomas one and loved that one too. I also get him character sticker books, ink pads, paints etc. He never does them for long but he likes them! Does he like disney tv? DS1 liked Handy Manny so got him the tools - some of them talk!

Sorry if not helpful but not sure what level of play your DS likes?

Oh if he is active and has got balance - have you seen the bounce hoppers? They not v expensive.

Jellybean good link for the ride on, was thinking of getting DS1 one for his 4th b/day and they about £50 in the shops!

Thanks. A bounce hopper is a really good idea - though I wonder how long it would be before I regret it!! haha!!

He has one of those tables (with water and sand) which he adores and he's into trains too, but has lots of those already.

Dietcokegirl - how is your son at school?

Oo party- I'm thinking of hiring a big room for cheap, putting on some music and trying some party games but just generally letting them have a good play and constant access to a buffet. That way DS can bog off into his own world with his little toys and noone will notice.

I wish - he isn't at school yet. He is due to start this Sept. Yikes. Am thinking of sending him part-time though and maybe doing some ABA. He goes to nursery three days a week and gets 1:1, it going well, it's just getting him there that's a challenge!

Yeah the bounce hopper could drive you mad but keep it for outdoors?! I also got my DS a little football net and ball, didn't think he would get it but he kicked ball into net straightway (fluke am sure!). It has been quite good fun even though he doesn't understand it's a 'game of football', IYSWIM.

you could get him a little indoor trampoline, you know the sort with a handle?

He has one of those totalchaos - bounces up and down for hours! Which is what made me think a trampoline would be an obvious next step.

DietcokeGood luck with the school . My son is due to start nursery in September and I can't see it going well at all. Think we will home school.

Hi,
Rebound Therapy is the use of trampolines to provide therapeutic exercise and recreational for children and adults with a very wide range of disabilities.
The results that can be achieved by a qualified practitioner can be amazing. They can even use the trampoline as a tool to improve communication, eye contact, social skills as well as many other benefits. And it is great fun! - which probably has something to do with why it is so effective.
The governing body for Rebound Therapy is Rebound Therapy.org
They can be reached at www.reboundtherapy.org