Monday, August 30, 2010

Austin the hermit

Tommy will be starting up with hockey for 3-4 days a week once school starts. I'm planning on getting Ashley into Honeybee's with gym jesters soon. Which leaves us with what to do with Austin?

Austin does not want to do anything. He's very shy when it comes to trying new things and it was a stretch to get him to play baseball this year. But he loved it once he was out there. I've suggested swim lessons, soccer, tae kwon do, bowling, I mention it he quickly declines and just says "I don't want to do anything." I really want him to do something more solo like tae kwon do but then I don't even know if they'd take him. And there are other things not physical at all like a choir, maybe eventually he'll go into something like that. But I can't get him to even want to do anything. He's quite a Nervous Nelly and I'm afraid if I don't do something soon I'll be holding his hand when he heads into high school. Granted it's still 7 years away but I don't think I was much different as a 2nd grader vs. a 9th grader when it came to confidence and all.

Maybe this is silly beans but I'm really concerned about getting Austin out and doing something. Any suggestions on an activity I haven't thought of? Any thoughts on persuading him to get out and do something?

8 comments:

Julie said...

Chess club? How about learning to play the harmonica? :-) Give him a little more time - he is a very young second grader. Something will catch his fancy. Be thankful you don't have 3 kids having activities in three different towns.

Dawn said...

Harmonica - Ooh boy. I have thought about all the craziness of three kids having events. I don't know. I guess we'll just have to wait and see but I'm thinking if he doesn't do something soon he might not ever. Just my shy guy.

Suzi said...

What about an art class? If you just want to get him out more, you could probably find a manners class or something similar - we signed Emma up over the summer to work onher social skills. GL!

Dawn said...

Suzi - Now a manner's class, that's something everyone could enjoy. Mr. Fake Burping all the timing and giving people funny faces. I don't know if they could turn Austin into a charming young man no matter how hard they tried. Art is another good idea. Thanks!

Amy said...

Boy, I understand this one. Of course, Emma has more physical and speech issues than Austin does, but I would still love to find something that interests her on a social level. I think it is good for kids to have extra-curricular activities like that. Good luck.

I love the Disney photo of the family above, and I love, love your haircut.

Dawn said...

Thanks Amy :) We will figure something out eventually.

Kiera said...

This is quite the dilemma. I hear of a lot of the hemi-kids doing karate, but I am not sure what is available in your area. We have been getting Reichen into little running races when they have them around here. That is a solo sport, but it is something where he can spend time with other kids.

Does he like animals? Our local zoo has some weekend sessions where the kids get to learn behind the scene information about the animals. It is not a sport, but it may help with the social side of things.

Let us know what you end up doing. He is such a little cutie!

Dawn said...

Thanks KB - The running and zoo ideas are both good. I've thought about Scouts too. We've got to figure out something soon though. Thanks for the suggestions.