Extra Activities for Little Ones

[mommamelanie]

I'm constantly pulled by different thoughts on what kind of extra activities to involve my 4 year DS. We haven't done preschool yet and are not even sure if we'll be getting into one by fall. He is a very active child (loves swimming, soccer), but for instance any time I approach him about taking a swim class at the Y, he really resists being without me and says that it bothers him to be around so many kids (really only 5 or 6) and that it's too loud. I'm not sure how to understand his attachment or seperation anxiety at this age. Would it be that once he got into the class that he would really love it? Or would it turn out miserably and be a waste of time and money? I feel like I want to keep exposing him to different social situations (library time, our play group co-op), but he really resists doing anything without me. Should I give it more time or actively encourage him to try out new experiences regardless of the outcome?

[jnpsmommy]

Well, the first thing I noticed is that you said he feels it is "too loud" with the other kids. Does he find other loud noises bother him like public flushing toilets? or public bathroom blow dryers? Is he sensitive in anu other ways to touch or bright lights? The reason I ask is he could possibly have some sensory issues. Or maybe it is just a case of separation anxiety. My almost 4 year old son has sensory integration disorder and gets VERY overwhelmed around groups of more than 2 or 3 kids. The noise level is too much for him. He also has other sensory issues especially around touch ( do NOT touch this boy,lol). If any of this sounds like your son you might want to google sensory integration disorder and see if any of it fits.

Good luck, it's a tough age

[Mere]

I can't speak to possible sensory issues, but my ds1 is also 4 (just turned 4) and he is not ready or interested for extra curricular classes or anything. We have tried a few things - most recently gymnastics and soccer (activities that he really likes) - but the classes were a no-go. He would follow along with what he was supposed to be doing for about 20 minutes and then come out and tell me he was done. Luckily I was able to do a free-trial class with him at each place so I didn't actually sign him up for 8 weeks or anything. Most places will let you do that; that way you can test it out and if it doesn't work, it's not a big deal.

It's been really different than my experience with dd, who had several kinds of classes (and loved them all) under her belt by age 4.

[mommamelanie]

Thank you all for your input. Yes, I had been thinking about sensory issues for awhile. I will definitely check into it more.