My 3.5 year old son, currently in full time pre-school, has shown some new behaviors this year. He is more shy this year in class, not always attentive to his work and needs redirection from teacher, and is still sometimes doing parellel play with the kids in the class. He really enjoys school and is really the type of boy that is up for anythng and very happy. When he was 2 1/2, he did have some speech arlticulation problems and was placed in the county program and has been receiving speech therapy. They also noticed at that time, he has some fine motor skills delays as well and has been receiving OT.
We took him to see a devlelopmental pediatrician to see if there was some underlying problem and he basically only diagnosed him with some mild motor planning issues. Since then -- his speech articulation and fine motor skills have improved dramitically. Now we just want to see him on par with his peers. I'm just trying to hear other people's experiences to see if there is anything else we can do to help him?? We have him enrolled in soccer on the weekends and he takes Tae Kwon Do at school in the afternoon which he seems to enjoy and doing well in both. I am trying to set up more play dates so that he can gain more confidence and maybe be able to play better at school?
Thank you everyone for your wonderful advice. We did step back to see if there is anything we should cut back and since he really enjoys being active and seems to love all the things he is doing - we will keep him involved. We do spend lots of time playing with him during the weeknights and on the weekends. We also have a younger son (21 months old) and they love playing together and enjoy their "brother" time. ! We will incorporate playdates when there are opportunities but will not definitely not push anything as this little boy does have a lot going on! Thanks again!
I would say forget all academic schooling and just concentrate on the sports and arts endeavors. You say he does well in those areas.
Also try a Sunday School (short and safe).
I think pre k is a bunch of hog wash and babysitting. Save formal education until kindergarten.
So he's in preschool, soccer, Tae Kwon Do, speech and OT. That sounds like a fair amount for a 3 1/2 year old.
When my son was in the "3's" class in preschool, I don't think we did much else. I had a newborn, so that was part of it. Before his brother was born we were in a class at the YMCA, a class at the park district and we were in a playgroup, so that was 3 mornings a week that we had something scheduled. Some families had more going on, some had less. You have to decide how much you and your son really want to do.
I think what you are noticing is exactly what preschool is for. Sure my son learned colors, shapes, numbers letters and some fun and interesting facts about other topics. But what he really gained from preschool was learning how to socialize. He learned how to listen to the teachers, how to negotiate with his classmates, how to follow directions and rules and live withing the structure of the school (not his own house).
If you and your son would enjoy additional activities and wouldn't feel tired or run down or over stimulated, then sure, set up some play dates. You have him in a few activities, so right now the bigger question is whether or not it would be too much for him.
Personally, I would try to relax and just have fun with him. He is learning and growing and receiving services. Keep working with him and loving him. Listen to what the speech at OT people have to say, and just try to trust that you're already doing what he needs you to do.
It sounds like your son is making good progress working through his speech and motor planning issues. Both of those can inhibit social growth and so it makes sense that he is a bit less social. Your idea of play dates is terrific, because many children make their best social advances by playing with one other child at a time. Keep the play date short and successful. You can even plan to meet another parent and child at the playground (indoor or outdoor). He sounds delightful. Take care.
Hi, J.:
Sounds like you have him on a tread mill.
When do you take time with him to just love and nurture him?
Sounds like he is being pushed to the limit.
D.
