How do I help my son join in?

Question

My son is summer born so just coming up to age 5.

He is at the end of his first year at school and seems to have joined in well in his class. He is really keen on football and wanted to join a local team but when I took him along to it he became very shy and self concious and wouldn't join in. I know he would love it if he gets to know the other children who are also his age and new to it. If I leave it until next year I'm worried that it will be harder as he will have to join an already established group. He's desperate for football boots and I have told him he can have some if he plays football. This just seems to make him more frustrated. It seems a shame for him to miss out but I'm out of ideas to persuade him.

Answer 1

Make sure you get him to go!!!

My sister started ballroom dancing and told me their was a kids class I could join. I wasn't very keen on it but I went down for the social (just dances like the nutbush and stuff) the woman told me they were starting the lessons the next week and asked me if I wanted to do it, I was really nervous but my sister singed me up... and I LOVED IT!!! I made some really great friends, and I found out I was really good at dancing! Once he has a go I am sure he will love it!

Answer 2

All kids a shy when it's a first. First day of school for example. If you keep taking him along and maybe join in with him for practice til he makes a little mate ... Until he makes that first friend he may want you near him.  It may only take one practise session, maybe two.

Answer 3

When you take him to sign up after you've signed all the papers LEAVE, for a few minutes.  The reason he "chickened" out is because he knew you would let him do just that.  Leaving him there for a few minutes (about 15) will force him to join in because there won't be anyone there to "protect" him from doing so.  My middle child had this problem when she began dance classes.  She wanted to dance like it was the only thing on earth but when I took her to sign up she wouldn't even go into the class.  The instructor told me that next time just bring her and drop her off then go someplace for awhile.  I did that and when I went back to check up on her she was grinning ear to ear, listening to the instructor and having the time of her life.  Since that she has been in dance class for 3 years and has appeared in two productions of "The Nutcracker Ballet" as well as "Sleeping Beauty" and "Swan Lake".  It is her life.

Answer 4

the more he already knows about it the more comfortable he will be so take him out to practice and when he throws correct make him feel really good about what a good throw and he will be confident and want to show off what he can do.