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Original poster

Secret Life of a 4 Year Old

75 replies

Pipbin · 03/11/2015 20:50

I can't believe there isn't a thread on this! If there is please link to it

As a reception teacher I am loving the setting they are in.
I would like to see the parents comments on their children though. It would be interesting to hear how different the children's behaviour is to home.

OP posts:
JackCuse · 04/11/2015 10:52

I've got a 4yo and I found it so emotional! When Lola cried "I want my mummy" [sob] If I was her mum watching that I'd be a mess.

Tia was my favourite this week

Madeyemoodysmum · 04/11/2015 10:53

Lola. When she wanted her mummy broke my heart but the other girls rallied round. That was lovely.

madmotherof2 · 04/11/2015 10:55

Was it on last week too? Will have a hunt on catch up!

BugritAndTidyup · 04/11/2015 11:33

I'm watching it at the moment and finding it fascinating, but... It's making me a little uncomfortable how autism seems to have been dismissed in Tyler. The way he was walking away from Theo when he was trying to engage them was very reminiscent of the way my daughter behaves when another child approaches her.

And I HATED that assumption (made by the father? Step-father?) that just because a child appears to be happy playing on their own that they're happier that way. Nope, sometimes it's because they literally don't know how to engage with other children. It doesn't mean they're happy that way.

I know it's just a snapshot and I don't know enough in any case but still...

It's making me emotional too because my daughter is about this age (bit older), and she's not talking at all so it's a very strange experience seeing the way her NT peers interact.

BugritAndTidyup · 04/11/2015 11:42

Aw, have just seen the allotment bit. That was lovely, and what a little sweetheart Theo is. His parents should be proud of themselves.

BastardGoDarkly · 04/11/2015 11:43

Didn't the parents say that Tyler had been assessed for autism Burgrit ?

I found Theo's determination to be his friend so touching :)

BugritAndTidyup · 04/11/2015 11:54

They said he had been but because he wasn't really doing the counting (or had got a lot better) it sounded like that was it. It bothered me because just because a behaviour disappears it doesn't mean the underlying cause isn't still there iyswim.

It probably is nothing, and almost certainly there was more that's not been said but it did make me uncomfortable and what the father said was clearly nonsense, as shown by his developing relationship with Theo.

BugritAndTidyup · 04/11/2015 11:58

(The usually incorrect assumption that people who find engagement difficult are happier on their own is a massive bugbear of mine, so this struck a nerve a bit as I'm sure you can tell)

Original poster
Pipbin · 04/11/2015 12:35

By the same token though there is often an assumption that children who are happy on their own are some how defective.
Some children, and adults, prefer their own company. There is nothing wrong with that.

OP posts:
BugritAndTidyup · 04/11/2015 12:50

That's true, Pipbin, but preferring your own company is hardly the same as not engaging because you don't know how to do so.

In any case, introverts still seek friendship and company. I'm one myself so I understand the need for moments alone to recoup, but autism is so misunderstood and can be so massively socially isolating I'm not sure it's really fair to compare the two.

MiaowTheCat · 05/11/2015 11:38

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

edgarallanpoe · 05/11/2015 13:34

find it fascinating how Steiner education helps Theo connecting with his social skills.

edgarallanpoe · 05/11/2015 13:34

IF steiner education helps .....
(forgot to add)

mellowyellow1 · 05/11/2015 14:02

I love this show! Imagine we still behaved like this as adults! I might try it next time I'm in the office just go and sit on someone's lap and ask them to be my friend Grin

Theo was a total sweetheart, his Mum said their family is all about love and it really seems to be showing in him already!

Original poster
Pipbin · 05/11/2015 18:29

Imagine we still behaved like this as adults!

Or try hooking someone with a hoop shouting 'catch that boy'.

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MiniCooperLover · 05/11/2015 20:56

My DS started school in Sept, he's a very young 4 year old who has had speech issues in the past and is still catching up: The interaction worried me as although he's used to nursery he also really likes his own company. But I've seen him in the playground and he really wants to join in which is great and I've been told he's trying to join in or he 'allows' kids to join him. I've also been told he's very kind and popular with the girls and boys which is sweet and reassuring.

Theo made amazing efforts with Tyler, it was lovely to watch and I'd be so proud to be Theo's mum.

Madeyemoodysmum · 05/11/2015 21:13

Just watched it again with the kids. They love it. They are10 and 8. They find it fascinating and like to comment on the children's personality's and decision s.

BeStrongAndCourageous · 05/11/2015 21:31

I just watched this, loved it. Thought Theo and Tyler were adorable - though actually the part that really brought a lump to my throat was how proud and loving Tyler's stepdad looked when he talked about him. I loved that he just accepted him for who he is.

Liked Tia's assertiveness and it got me wondering how I can encourage that in my own nearly 4 year old girl, as she's a bit of a sensitive flower.

Actually the whole show made me realise that I need to go a bit easier on my wee girl, as this is some tough stuff she's dealing with, and I need to be more patient and supportive Confused

MiniCooperLover · 05/11/2015 21:56

Yes, listening to the psychologists talking about the kids made me realise I need to be easier on my little boy sometimes.

Piratepete1 · 06/11/2015 07:49

As a teacher I would be watching Tyler very closely as I would be concerned he is on the spectrum but not getting the support he needs.

Only1scoop · 08/11/2015 20:35

Anyone watching?

Original poster
Pipbin · 08/11/2015 23:45

I didn't realise it was on today.

OP posts:
firefly78 · 10/11/2015 20:23

its on now. love this programme!

PassTheCremeEggs · 10/11/2015 20:26

Love this programme. Heartbreaking that elliot lost his mother so young

DownstairsMixUp · 10/11/2015 20:49

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.