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Our very first pre-toddler group therapy session was today. This is a new group for kids who are not quite at the toddler stage developmentally but are at a stage where they could benefit from a group setting. I wish I could say it was a big success. Unfortunately it was not. Especially disappointing seeing as how my expectations were not very high. I am painfully aware that Drew’s delays are significant. That he is behind not only typically developing kids, but his peers with developmental delays as well. I knew that the other kids would probably be a little younger, and may be a little ahead in meeting their milestones. I was prepared for that. The one thing Drew has always had going for him is his very social nature. He has always liked people, especially other kids (with the exception of his baby brother sometimes). I was excited to introduce him to other kids, to watch him make friends. I figured that watching and playing with the others would help boost his learning. After all, he learned to crawl from watching and playing with his cousin.
Well, my little social butterfly decided to crawl back into his cocoon today. He would not get near the other kids. He would not sit in the two-seater swing with them, he would not play at the rice table with them, he did not want to be within 5 feet of them. He scooted backwards toward the corner and played alone. He would not walk with his walker either. At snack time (a dreadful event when your child has feeding issues) he would not even try the cracker, or the banana, or the drink. He pushed his plate away, tried to throw it, etc. He did slightly better at circle time, but only because momma was holding him. *sigh* Hopefully next week will go better. Maybe he just needs time to get the hang of it. (crossing fingers…)
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Oh, Jessica. I'm sorry to hear it didn't go well. I'm anticipating the same reaction from Micah (who is two and is nowhere close to walking, BTW). He is VERY social, but large groups always overwhelm him until he's familiar with the location. Just give Drew some time. If it makes you feel any better, Micah basically cried through his entire SLP/OT co-treat visit yesterday. :-0
ReplyDeleteThis is Joyce. Oh dear, so not what you wanted to happen on the first day. I remember the older Sarah got the more intimidated she became of new situations too. Once she found her footing though, then she would come out of her shell. Hope next time is a little better for you.
ReplyDeleteOh no! Malakai is very much the same - very social on a one-on-one basis, but in a group he feels a bit intimidated I think.
ReplyDeleteAll I can think and hope (for both boys) is that enough exposure to groups will eventually give them the confidence they need.
I am holding thumbs that it gets better with time!