Help DS2 hates not being at home!

[mm22bys]

Hi,

DS2 is delayed and we work at home with him most days, but we do also try to go out as a family, say on a weekend, or like today with DS1's friends.

The problem is, that no matter where I take DS2, it seems like he doesn't like it.

For instance, if I take him somewhere new he will put his head down on the ground, as though it's all just too much for him.

Today we were at the park, and he basically slept all day in his stroller. When he is awake, the head goes down, or he just sits really slumped.

At home he is a different character, crawling, cruising around, sitting up straight, making chatting noises.

We have a CDT review in 10 days' time, and I know they are going to get a really negative (as usual) opinion of him.

How can I get his "light" to shine when we are out? It may be "best" for him to stay at home, but not for the rest of us!

Thanks,

Hmmm. Does it make any difference if it's somewhere quiet with less people/natural light rather than shop artificial lights? would he feel better if you showed him a photo of where you were going shortly before you went so he knows what to expect?

also would any favourite toys/books attached to the buggy help give him an incentive to be more active whilst out?

I think he gets bored when he's out. Also I think he struggles with the natural light.

Next time we go somewhere I'll take one or two of his favourite toys (they are quite big which is why I haven't done it before), and see if that can interest him.

Thx

What is he interested in?
Start by associating visits with things he likes such as feeding ducks, going into Woolworths to look at toys, or to buy something nice to eat.

Don't whatever you do get into pattern of staying home. it won't be good for any of you.

Thanks, he really likes playing with a helicopter and spent an hour and a half last Sunday playing with a Noah's arc.

He sleeps a lot, and if I put him in the carseat or stroller he falls asleep.

We went to the park yesterday, and he slept most of the day....

Thanks for your ideas...

I used to use those plastic link type things to attach all sorts to the buggies, mini-bead coasters etc!

Most kids sleep when taken out though. My nephew is 17 and out like a light the minute he gets into a car!

at that age DS would be out like a light in the car.

An OT I know mentioned that a hat with a wide brim can help children who are sensitive to light and visual stimuli when outside. Do you think your DS might be overwhelmed by all the different sensory experiences of being outside - light, noise, movement etc - and his natural defence is to 'shut down'?