A thing that is fraught with pitfalls. Especially for me – a non-standard parent of a very non-standard child.
It may be difficult to believe, but I dread public gatherings. I am not good at small talk. I have odd hobbies. I fear judgement. And I hardly ever open up to people now.
So, all that being said, yesterday I had a full 1:1 meeting with #1 Son’s therapist; and one of the things that came out of this meeting is that he struggles socially with his peers.
And oh dear lord did that sound familiar 😫😞
And I was gently, yet firmly, advised that I have to know “when to push, and when to pull”. Translation: Set up some goddamn play dates woman
But that isn’t easy, precisely because he is struggling with his peers.
We had set up an initial Skype date with his former friend from school for last Sunday, but at the last minute the poor thing got camera shy.
To give her credit, she both broke her leg and their family dog was put down over Easter, so she’s been through one heck of a lot for a 5/6 year old.
So I started to consider options. Which is tough when I barely know any of the kids in his class, and he’s not exactly the best at communicating about them as is.
But, while we were doing homework, he did this:
Now, as an aside, can I just say look at how well his writing is going!!!!
But he not only drew the “snow hills”, he also drew a specific class mate helping him up the hill.
Bazinga
He also went to her birthday party – it was the one at the drama house that, uh, did not go well for him. But never mind, as I result of that I knew I had her mom’s email address.
So I sent an email asking if, since Spring Break is next week, whether said friend would like to come for a play date.
She wanted to!!!!
Side note: I am currently waiting on my appointment for #1 Son’s Parent:Teacher Conference. You have to walk through After School Club to get there. I was stopped by a little girl asking me by name. She asked if she was coming to our house!!!! She seems happy to!!!
🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊
So, next Saturday I will be hosting my first ever school play date.
May God have mercy on my soul 🤣😂
I just hope that I myself don’t scare anyone off!!!
The therapist also said that he has a beautiful singing voice. Apparently he has perfect pitch! So that is something to consider.
She also stated very firmly that although home schooling “might be tempting” she very definitely believed he was not a candidate for it. He needs the structure and socialising of school.
Since I have no clue how one might go about it, and have no desire to undertake such a mammoth task of significance, school it is!!!
I will update regarding the Parent:Teacher conference soon.