Hello! I have a three and half year old little boy, and we recently signed him up for soccor. At first, everything thing was great. He played, and loved it. but after two weeks, he competley shut down. When we took him to a game , he refused to get out of my lap. He would kick the ground, run off and not listen. We thought he wasn't feeling well, but at the next practice, the same thing. He refused to listen, ran off from the team, and stood by himself. we aren't sure if we should keep taking him, and hope he will want to play again, or should we drop out? We do't know if he is just being stubbon, and not wanting to do it because he can't do what he wants, or if he doesn't like it. Taking him to soccor used to be fun, but now it is very stressful. His best friend even plays, and he won't go on the field. It's very hard when every other three year old will play, but he won't. Does anyone have any ideas, or has anyone been through this before?
He just might not be ready for it. If he doesn't enjoy it, why make him do it? God made each of us indididuals who like different things. Try it again next year if you want. He may just have to mature another year or two before he likes organized sports, or maybe he will like other things! He is 3 years old with endless possibilities and lots of adventures to have. Enjoy him and his unique tastes in fun!
Ok Normally I would say when you start something you must finish it, but hes 3 and he understands to a point I say drop out if he wont play its just putting more stress on you than anything and as a mommy I know the more stress you can cut out of your life the better your life will be. I have a 3 year old daughter and I wouldn't force something that really isnt that important. Try again next season :) Good Luck I hope this helped!
well what i have noticed from children that do things like that first what i would do is talk to him very niceily and ask him what is wrong or is their something bothering u because i thing eather he thinks he is bad at it or that he feels bad if or when he looses that is what i think because if he liked it to start with i probabily doesnt not like it or he could even be being picked on that is what I'm guessing but u can always know with kids i have a one year old and it is hard to get alot of what the do
I would guess there is something that happened at the last practice that made him feel not sure about it maybe not even anything very big but to him it is....
There is value in him sticking things out but I wouldnt use any corporal type of punishments if it is something emotional bothering him try to talk him an maybe he will confide in a relaxed setting if he feels he can trust you do a reward system.
Try a few books or shows that show kids playing soccer and see if that helps him feel more comfortable with it. I would also ask why he doesn't like it anymore & see how he responds. He is still young & I wouldn't force him. It should be structured, but fun too. My daughter was like that with gymnastics. I told her she could jump at home & have fun but there she was to learn. She didn't cooperate, so I pulled her out. She seemed sad, but I wasn't going to continue wasting the money. About a week later she asked if she could dance. I signed her up & she loves it & has really blossomed. He may have liked the newness of soccer, but now not so much. Best of luck.
I used to coach young soccer kids. I can tell you that not all 3 years play sports. He may like a different one
It sounds to me like it is a case of kicking the ball around with his friend is totally different than being in a tight roped group.
If it is stressful for you think how stressful it is on him as well. Kids can pick up our feelings and emotion more than people give them credit for.
I would take him out and maybe try again next year. If he isn't playing with his friend anymore he may feel that he is going to be under pressure.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
My personal opinion as a parent is that they have to finish something if they start. If it's 2 months, have him stick it out to complete the task, and move onto the next sport the next season.
We also have a 3.5 year old son who'll be doing T-ball for the first time in a few weeks. He's very shy, but he wanted to do it, we spent the money, and he will complete it even if he doesn't like it.
Our daughter started dance (she just turned 2). The first 3 weeks were awful. The 4th week, she started participating, having fun, and is really loving it.
We were at the pediatrician today for our daughter's 2 year well-baby visit. We talked about discipline, and the one thing (thank goodness we were already doing this) he really stressed was to praise more than punish. Make sure the pendulum swings much more in favor of you praising your son for all the things he's doing well vs. pointing out negative behaviors. It helps reinforce good behaviors and doesn't mess with their self-esteem.
That being said, our kids were both holy terrors tonight.....
did you ask him what happened? maybe something made him not like it any more, you know him better than anyone so you would know if he is just not into it or if something happened. It is always a good idea to watch your childs cues to be sure that there is not a problem good luck.
