Oh my gosh, you guys. I am tired. Tie-erd. I probably shouldn’t be writing stuff like this when I’m tired. But here goes.
For all my waxing eloquent about Jonah’s speech delay a few posts back, I have to admit I’m a little freaked out right now.
We’ve started his little developmental class with a few other kiddos, and I love it. The problem is that he doesn’t love it. Yet. I’m hoping he will get with the program soon. We’ve only been three times so far, and it’s not that he doesn’t enjoy it, it’s just that he wants to do what he wants to do when he wants to do it. He’s not so into doing what the class is doing when the class does it.
Sigh.
Along with being in a group comes…comparing him to others in the group. And I know that’s bad, bad, bad because every kid is so different, but it’s hard not to do it. And all the other kids, even though they are little, cooperate pretty well. Of course, they’ve also been in the class longer and have a clue what’s going on.
I don’t know. I just don’t think he’s going to learn anything until he cools out and stops being so stubborn and just goes with the flow. And I’ve got to figure out what I can do at home to prepare him to be a “classroom kid”.
Which seems overwhelming to me. And maybe this week, with the big kids home on spring break, isn’t the time to put all this pressure on myself. But I’m not the type who can ever let these things wait.
But I’m really, really tired. Too tired to feel the least bit competent today.
I can relate, and really, don’t put that pressure on yourself! My oldest is a girl who is made-for-classroom. Then my 5 year old boy is an active boy, but when he was smaller he could still sit happily through a storytime or some kind of class situation. But my son who is 2 and a half? Not so much. He’s WILD. Wants to do what he wants to do, just like you said. I tried to do a toddler gymnastics class at the rec center with him and it was so embarrassing. All these obedient little girls and he was running around crazy while I tried to pull him back to the circle. I don’t even attempt storytime anymore. Completely pointless and painful for all involved. And you know what? Boys are explorers and that is perfectly appropriate for them at this age. I know it’s different for this class because you need him to be in there to help with development. But just do the best you can and try not to compare him to the other kids (SO hard). I really think his behavior is part of his personality and perfectly age-appropriate. Hang in there!
Don’t stress. He’s an active boy and he’s only 2 – you might develop another set of worries if was too docile and compliant. I’m sure he will adjust to the class and the expectations there in time.
One thing I would suggest – if it’s possible – is to give his some time to be active and get some of the energy out before you go to the class. Activity would also stimulate his brain and prepare him to learn in his class. I’m not usually a fan of Parents magazine, but I read a great article on this just the other day in their April issue.
I agree that he is acting his age but it would be reassuring perhaps if you emailed his teacher for her input. It seems that I recall w/Sophie that the person at the United Rehab Center told me to expect a 6 week adjustment period when I told her about the difficulty she was having at her first preschool at the church.
He will figure it out 🙂 he is a lot younger than Sophie was when you started all of this. And he is a boy! I totally agree with the above suggestion–get him moving and active BEFORE CLASS. He may need sensory input like that so he can focus (I can give you ideas for that!) and while he is needing to sit he may need sensory stuff too like scratching his back or arms or holding something in his hands. Just suggestions 🙂 he is a cutie. It will all work out. You are a great mom- one day at a time!