Since infant hood, I've had my son involved in many things. I've always worked at least part-time and he's attended day care part time. He's had a significant amount of preschool, has had many playmates, sports activities and parties. Over the past year or so, he's retreated into the type of child who takes a long period of time to associate with others at a kids' birthday party or other social activity. Lately, this has escalated into him saying that he does not want to try any group activities, even if they're things that peak his interest at home.
I realize some kids are just over scheduled and I don't want to push him too much after all day kindergarten. However, I do find this new attitude strange. I'm afraid if I don't push him to sign up for some things that he'll become very withdrawn.
I also edit to add: He has tactile sensory disorder, has had extreme tantrums and other strange behaviors. We've had him evaluated and there was nothing concrete that came up. This is a new strange behavior.
So maybe his personality will be... someone who doesn't leap before they look, someone who is careful and thinks before acting and plans ahead. Do you really want the opposite?
It's a phase. Don't push him. He will get over it.
He's maturing and is learning where he wants to make boundaries for now. A lot of times we dont listen to our kids and force them to do things they don't want to do. Don't be that parent right now. Listen.
There's no need for a six year old o be "signed up" for anything. All he needs is school, some time for exercise, free play and socialization.
Sounds like he's already burned out, something that doesn't start happening around here until middle school (and I live in a very high achievement oriented community.)
My advice?
Chill out. Spend some time having fun WITH your son, let him explore his interests on his own for a while, and let him sign up for activities when it's more developmentally appropriate, like around age 8 or 9.
All day kindergarten is a big deal. The rules for behavior are much more strict than they were in preschool and definitely in other activities.
My son did all day PreK last year, and he was exhausted when he came home. After he got used to it and wasn't quite so tired, he would come home and be very silly and a little crazy. He had been good all day and just wanted to relax and be himself. He could do some of that at recess, but he knew he could do that at home.
It's very possible that after being in school all day your son just wants to be at home where he can be himself and not have to follow his teacher's rules.
Give him some more time. School will become very familiar to him soon. It won't be long before he feels at home there. At that point he might be interested in adding an activity or two. In the meantime, just let him be. He's fine.
He's probably just telling you that he needs a break. I would roll with it and not worry too much.
I wouldn't push any extra curricular activities right now. He may just be tired! Talk to his teacher and see if she has noticed any difference in his social skills at school. If not, don't worry; he's just not interested at this time. Try again next year.
It helps when in the original post that parents states any special needs for the child.
You need to ask his therapist what he needs as he reaches these different milestones. Otherwise our answers are based on children with no special accommodations..
He is becoming more aware of himself and others. He is maturing..
He is beginning to care more about what others think of him and what he thinks of others..
Give him some time to understand different types of people. Our daughter responded well to books. At this point look for books about children in different social situations and how they handle them.. Ask his school librarian if you can check out some books form the school library. and ask for suggestions. ..
Have you been taking him to the same ped for a while? I would speak to your ped about it and ask his or her opinion. It could be that the ped would like him to talk to someone about it. Or he/she might say to take a wait-and-see approach. At the very least, the ped could tell you how much you should expect of your child.
Dawn
Kindergarten can be exhausting.
He's learning a lot right now - numbers, letters, social interactions in the classroom, etc.
He needs more down time than he's getting right now so take a break from the activities for a few years.
When he's about 8, he'll be ready to try something, but just do one thing at a time.
He is six years old!!!! Give him a break. He is trying to tell you something.
He needs a break from the craziness of school and actives. Kinder is a big, big adjustment. Follow his cues.
Updated
He is six years old!!!! Give him a break. He is trying to tell you something.
He needs a break from the craziness of school and actives. Kinder is a big, big adjustment. Follow his cues.
