Scary playgroup

[sherrardk]

Off to scary playgroup tomorrow (always come away from it ranting and swearing to myself) - wish me luck!

[annie0000]

If it's that scary, why go?

[Buenchico]

Aren't you a bit big for playgroup, Sherrardk ;-)

[sherrardk]

Hi both - I go because my son has confidence issues and he doesn't speak - apparently he can't as opposed to won't. When they get there they both love it (in their own way - the boy is usually under the table for over an hour and a half). Also, I'm not not going just because the other mothers make me feel uncomfortable - if you see what I mean.

[Buenchico]

"the boy is usually under the table for over an hour and a half"
Like mother, like son, then?
http://farm4.static.f...512166_302c761226.jpg
;-)

[Arti]

lol a lot, chris :)

[starone]

My nephew would only make grunting noises and point to what he wanted when he was small. His siblings and his parents gave him whatever he pointed at. My husband took him out one day and after playing in the park they looked in a toy shop. My husband would not buy him anything until he said the word. After a struggle he said what he wanted. He could speak, but was too lazy. I read somewhere that Winston Churchill did not speak until he was 7. When asked in later years the reason why he (apparently) said he didn't have anything to say.

[anneasquith]

great picture chris ! sher, is he one of the twins . did anyone give a diagnosis re his speach ? do i recall you saying he went to speach therapy. as for the other mums, take no notice :)

[starone]

Don't let other people put you off sherrar. Do what is best for you and your children.

[sherrardk]

Cheers Chris - having been that drunk for ages!

Pinki - the boy is three (one of twins, youngest of five) - I am concerns about him but if this is the worse I have to deal with then I am lucky.

Star - that's why I go, sod 'em!

[boxtops]

My OH was like that, starby - he was the youngest of 4, and everyone else just got him what he wanted, no need to speak.

[sherrardk]

^ I'm not drunk, it's this stupid (but unbeliveably cool) iPad! We do Makaton signing and he is improving (but really slowly). He is lovely though!

[Cowtipper]

My best advice for not getting uptight:
Think like a guy. When those women that annoy you start talking just "wife" them out. It's just white noise and usually nothing important anyway. Singing 80's pop lyrics in my head usually works to drown out the drone.
When you hear quiet look up expectantly and nod like you're thinking about it. Repeat as necessary. If asked a direct question don't panic. "I'd have to think on that." or "I'm not quite sure what you mean." if it seems important.

[sherrardk]

Thanks for that - like all mams I am fiercely defensive of my children (but am very aware of how we are perceived). Being a boy, and the youngest, he was always destined to have some 'issues' but they could be so much worse. I knowwat he is trying to say (although some of our signing is a bit iffy to say the least).

[sherrardk]

Hi Cowtipper - it's worse than that, they act like I am not there (it's a really small group), they ignore me and my friend and bring treats to share amongst themselves. We go to another one on Friday which is also small but brill - well, we like it!

[Mosaic]

Went through this years ago when my kids were tiny - my attitude was (and is) buddy sodyer then, I've paid me subs and I'm here for the kids to enjoy themselves. I let them sit around tir auldrons comparing gel nails and got on with having a break while the kids roared round bashing each other.

[crisgal]

the practitioners at the playgroup are there to support your child and you. Do they know how you feel? It will be in their policy that bullying is unacceptable and will not be tolerated (ignoring is a way of bullying). That goes for the children and for the parents who use the setting.
We once had an issue with a young parent who heard racist comments about her, every day, while she waited to collect her son. The supervisor tried hard to sort it out, and most of the parents were sorry when they knew it was upsetting the young woman. She ended up making some new friends and they joined the committee together.
They should at least let you pick up your children a little earlier, if you don't want to stand with the others.