social behaviour at party's

[jayden26]

it was my 3 year old son's birthday party today, at first he played on the bouncy castle etc, but then he stopped and through the rest of the whole party he's had a tantrum & did not won't to play with the other children or interact. he completely lost out. he ended up sitting on my knee.

this has happened before at a party a month ago were i had to play along side him.

today he kept on saying he wanted to go home & screaming it, I got really stressed because I wanted him to play & not to miss out. some of the other children were asking to him to play.

i spend a lot of time with my son playing with him & I even went on a incredible years 12 week course to get he best out of my son.

I'm not sure if its me that's causing the issue ie playing up because I'm there, apparently he was fine with my wife at a party where there were 8 to 9 children.

his preschool have mentioned that he is not the most sociable child there, in fact that's something we have asked them to concentrate on.

i believe he is bright he knows his alphabet, can count up to 20, recognises numbers 1-100, he has certain traits like putting things in rows.

Am i worrying for no reason

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Yes, you are worrying when you really do not need to. Many children this age become overwhelmed in the presence of many children, particularly when the level of stimulation is high. It sounds like right now he requires low-key, relaxed situations with a small number of peers. He'll be able to tolerate more stimulation and activity as he grows and develops.

[dave213]

Hi I have noticed similar if not ideal episodes of what you have described with my 21/2 year old son.  I am hoping he over come this as he gets older.  This is quite alarming as a parent.  I have tried taking him to events ahead of time so he gets familiar with his surroundings before other kids or adults arrive.