5 yr old boy expectations

Wife and myself to some degree is concerned about our 5 yr old boy.  This is his first summer after finishing kindergarten.  His first year of school, he fully adjusted, got along well with other children and achieved good grades on his report cards throughout the year.  He is a good boy that is extremely social and intelligent.  

With that being said, we suspect he may have a confidence problem and can

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Yes, without intending to you are expecting too much of him. Your unwitting message to him is: "You're not functioning in the way we want you to." In that sense, your espoused approach to rearing him is diverging somewhat from your actual expectations. At this young age, one or two years presents a major developmental difference. You saw the impact of that in his camp particpation. There was nothing wrong with him - he was simply grouped inappropriately. He is actually doing fine. Take pleasure in what a delight he is and you won't go wrong.

[siren of the sea]

hi. my son just turned 8. in his life we have always told him how good/smart/everything great he is. he also has a confidence problem. his problem seems to be he is big for his age. people ask all the time if he is 11. but then he speaks and you know his age. the older boys pick on him. he doesnt want to participate in sports but then will mention it till we offer to get him enrolled. some boys just take more time to mature. i think if it is mostly dealing with older children he will just need time. there are other factors that might have influenced my sons feelings as divorce at a young age which he is therapy for. i am just suggesting that maybe he just isnt ready or maybe he is big/small compared to the class average. you talk very proudly of him and he sounds like a great and smart boy. dont make him grow up too early-sometimes boys take a little more time. just love him and maybe find something else that he is interested in besides sports.