Michael is in a "drama" class for 4 year olds, and they had their mid-way performance this weekend. And I found myself doing the things I promised I never would do. I compared him to the other kids in the class. Do he know his lines better or not run as well? Could he have a learning disability?
And you know what? Fuck this. It is a acting class, FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS. I'm not doing this anymore. Is he learning disabled? I DON'T KNOW, but I'm not going to find out by over analyzing a 20 minute performance at an extracurricular activity. And really, I think some of the pauses and lack of activity is the low tone, and others are the fact that 8 parents are in the room starring at him.
And maybe I'm in denial, but how much denial can you be in when you have your child in Occupational Therapy and Play Therapy and are filling out the paperwork for a school system evaluation and have seen a development pediatrician and everyone says "I don't know."
So I stopped, and recorded the video for the cuteness. Because really, it was damn cute. (And sorry for the closeup on Michael. I try hard not to post other people's kids. And don't worry, it's only about a minute. Not a full 20.)
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
You’re doing great. Relax. And yes, totally enjoy the cute!
So cute! And the pauses and what others may see as imperfections? Normal. Totally normal. My now ten year old gifted and talented honor student picked her nose and spun in circles all through her kindergarten “Spring Show”. We won’t even talk about what she did, or didn’t do, during soccer games and dance recitals.
He looks like he’s having fun!!! That’s what matters, right?
i remember my daughter playing t-ball. all she wanted to do was pick flowers! this video is adorable. michael is too cute.
xo
I’ve had to stop doing that on the playground, knowing she will always be the slowest kid and all. He looks like he’s having a lot of fun and certainly had the whole song down. Even looking at the clip through my ‘therapy mom’ eyes, there is so much good in that clip. I mean C used to out and out scowl at the librarian during songs/fingerplays. Plus you are braver than I—I ditched organized class things long ago!
That was a cute video. I like the cow bit. Hang in there. I can tell it’s frustrating. I think you’re right just to try to enjoy the moments.
Keep enjoying the moments. Try to let the professionals do the assessing and worrying for a while (easier said than done I know!) You did your part getting him set up with them. Whatever help he needs, it’s awesome that you have gotten on it so early! So many kids aren’t identified at all till later in elementary school (or even later than that!) so at 4 is just awesome!
And he IS so cute! I did ballet and tap as a kid, older than Michael, and I’m sure half our class was off in outer space during our recitals. That’s just part of the cute!
Also, I really need to learn the value of a period. I think I use way too many exclamation points.
I’m just a naturally excited person. lol
i think it is a real hoot that there is such a thing as 4 yr old drama class.
you are right–don’t overanalyze it! they are 4.
Super cute! He looks like a happy, healthy, normal little boy. Oh, I have to go, Oscar is trying to eat the cord! He likes everything electrical. Sigh.
He’s freaking adorable and seems just as easily distracted as Hailey. And she’s 5. Heck, she fell off the stage at pre-k graduation because she wasn’t focused on standing.
Awwww – he’s adorable! I used to worry so much about my first – she was a preemie. Once I stopped worrying and started enjoying her for who she is things got way better. Hugs!