Problem with a Class

So, we signed DS up for a gymnastics class and he loved it the first few weeks. Couldn't wait to go, and thought it was a lot of fun. The last two weeks, no, he didn't want to be there. This past week he did the whole class, but he seemed restrained and anxious, previously I saw none of that. He has PDD NOS, but he did a great job following the class and seemed jubilant. I've asked him why he doesn't like it now, and I keep getting answers that don't add up.

He has 2 months left to go. I definitely want him to try it next week, possibly the week after, but how long would you push? I don't want him to get the idea that he can just drop out of things, but I don't want this to be unpleasant either. I will say, if something doesn't go his way or match the picture he has in his mind, he doesn't want to do it. Were also getting massive resistance at home lately to lots of things, and he seems to want to just stay home and do what he wants.

So, wwyd? Thanks!

Re: Problem with a Class

How old is he? 3? 4? 5? I think at this age they should enjoy it and if they aren't it probably isn't worth continuing. I would maybe give him a week off and try it again and if he still really doesn't want to go maybe look into getting your money back.

Is there a way you could ask the teacher if something happened that might have made him feel differently about it?

We tried dance and soccer with DD - she enjoyed the dance but was so worked up (girls pulling her around and then she couldn't calm herself down and we had to stop going.) Soccer -well she was good but didn't enjoy it. It was sensory overload. Too much going on for her to hear/understand the instructions. I shared the same concern with her Social Skills teacher about quitting and the message it sends and her therapists feelings were at this age if they aren't enjoying it or it isn't going well then it won't be a positive experience and if it isn't a positive experience it isn't worth forcing them to do it (esp since it is extra curricular). So I was thinking of putting her back in gymnastics b.c she did well with it and loved the instructors and related well to them, and she listened to them. Maybe we will try soccer and dance again when she is older and can focus better (DD has SPD and we think ADHD).

Re: Problem with a Class

DS has sensory issues, but I can't say much has changed with the class, structure, noise level, etc. They have been doing core muscle work the last 2 weeks, and this is a weak area for him, so my thought is that it's work for him.

The period to pull out of the class with a refund has passed, but I could still ask for that or a credit and try again.

You are probably right about dropping it if it's not fun, though I did wonder about the message he would get.

He's almost 4.

Re: Problem with a Class

Re: Problem with a Class

Brilliant! I do not know why I never thought of this (because it is an easy solution)? We will try this then, skip next week unless he's eager to go), and try the following week. If he is still unhappy, we can drop, but tell him it's over.

What would I do without you guys? Thank you!