talent show -special needs

My son has bipolar disorder and is on meds. He was in a regular classroom setting which was a disaster. he was moved to a public school and in a small classroom setting in 1st grade, now in 5th grade he is mainstreamed with an aide in a regular class. This adorable sweet boy has no friends he doesn't seem to care, I have tried to arrange playdates, the mothers couldn't be bothered, some tried and it just didn't work out. He wants to be in the school talent show. he wants to sing alone,his favorite song which is not a popular selection as people don't know it. hes so excited but I am scared of how it can turn out. If he messes up or kids don't like the act, it could make his self confidence worse, my daughter who is a teen thinks I am making a mistake. But I have no reason to say no, it will just show I don't believe in him, but I am worried how this can turn out.

Message edited 1/8/2015 9:15:22 AM.

talent show -special needs

If he wants to do it, then I would let him do it. I think it's great that he has the confidence to get on the stage and want to preform. I think preforming will be great for his self confidence.

We also do a talent show at school. Some acts are really good and some acts are not lol. Every single act gets a huge round of applause and everyone tells the kids that they did awesome. Just a child getting up on stage to perform is reason to be praised, no matter how well or not well they do.

Re: talent show -special needs

I just attended at SEPTA meeting last night and the guest speaker was Kevin McCarthy and the topic was Building Confidence in Special Needs Children. It was amazing. He spoke about so many ways we can help make a difference, and also changing parenting styles that we may have picked up from our parents that may not be the best for our kids.

I think he would say to support your son and cheer him on. Also not to protect them from potential failure because real life is full of them.

Easy for me to say as I'm not in your shoes right now. I put myself in your position and my heart ached. I truly hope it works out. Good luck!!

I'll try to post the presentation in a separate post that he handed out as I think it will be really helpful to everyone.

talent show -special needs

I definitely say let him go for it. We have a talent show and all of the kids, teachers, and parents are hugely supportive of each and every act (good, bad, weird, whatever). Let him go for it and have fun!

As for the friend thing, I feel your pain. My son has ADHD and does not really have many friends. He has no interest in getting together with anyone outside of school. Can you sign him up for some library classes or events? what about volunteering? That might help get him out there. My concern for my son is that he doesn't get enough exercise because he has no one to play with. We bought a trampoline this summer to try to get him outside more. But in the winter months its tough.