One of my favourite Christmas activities is the school play. However this year my boy became so anxious about his that I offered him the choice of whether to perform, the teachers were incredible about it too. I’m not going to lie it blindsided me completely - he’s a popular, confident, loud, cheeky little man and had come home to show us all the dance moves and songs. He had been poorly and when he returned to school drop off became heart breaking, tears and holding on to me, telling me he felt sick.. tears from me when I left him. When he was in school he had the best day! Then came the sleepless nights. He came to get me in the night and said ‘mummy I don’t know what’s wrong’ so I lay with him and another ‘I’m scared’ so I lay with him. I explained that sometimes we feel sick when we are nervous and have a fluttery tummy, asked him what was bothering him but he just shrugged. He did his matinee and my husband was there - he lasted one song and left the stage- he didn’t come back to the play and had told the teacher he felt sick. We tried to talk about it but he brushed it off and did us a run through of the play! I realised what this was all about so I gave him the choice of whether to perform in the evening performance he said - I really don’t want to mummy. I spoke to his lovely teacher too and she agreed. That night he slept like a log and happily went into school the next day! I’m so glad I was able to support him with this... don’t get me wrong some things I will encourage and be more persuasive with but certainly not this. Now... to spend time to help him articulate his feelings. I really felt helpless and out of my depth in this situation until it all became clear so for next time I’ll recognise the signs! In our little legs actions certainly speak louder than words 💕 #parentingishard #anxiety #naughtybutnice #alwaysareason (at Little Legs Ltd) https://www.instagram.com/p/B6C3DefF8uM/?igshid=6cwec8hiheww
