17 month old won't sit on sand or grass???

[an29]

my 17month old refuses to sit on grass or sand.. he completely freaks out when he's put down on it by screaming, crying and trying to climb up me, i've tried engaging him in many interesting things and taking his favorite food and trying to have a picnic but it's not helping..he won't even sit on it when a blanket is separating him from the grass or sand.... even though it's embarrassing, i'm more worried that at this age he's still not getting used to....i could really do with any tips anyone might have..as i've tried many tricks divert his attention but it's not working....

thanks

[jaspen]

although your DS reaction is greater than my boys was - just letting you know both my boys hated grass and my youngest hates sand as well. I didn't do anything in particular just kept going to grassy areas or sandy areas where there were playgrounds and fun things. Never really forced them to sit on it - just used to let them walk around etc and with the odd fall over etc they eventually got used to it.

(I still hate sitting on grass with bare legs cause of the itchy thing)

[*las*]

We had that problem here too! He hated the feel of sand/dirt/grass on his feet and legs. He gradually got used to it, just being outside or at the inlaws van at the beach, and now he loves it

[Lilly-Pilly]

It could be to do with his sensory processing. My DD (almost 6) has just been diagnosed with
"Sensroy Processing - Tactile Defensivess"
Hers in more so in relation to clothes and the feel of things, but it may be possible that your son sufferes from sensory processing disorder.
Having said that, it is common for young kids to diskile the texture of grass, sand etc, but they usuall grow out of it.
Will he touch it with his hands ? Like if you have him a bucket of sand will he play with it?

[JoMarie]

I have a friend who's 18 month old hates sand and bubbles (as in bath bubbles). He screams when you put him in the sand pit, or put bubbles in the bath. No amount of bribery can get him in there

[Rouge]

Don't fret it He'll grow out of it, try not to stress him out over it. Paris used to be like it with grass and sand and she eventually grew out of it.

[Lukesmum]

Same as the ladies above. DS # 1 used to dislike grass. He wouldn't walk or sit on it and now he has grown out of it and prefers to go bare feet in the back yard because he now loves the grass.

[mumstar]

My daughter just turned 2 and only about 1 1/2 months ago (23 1/2months old), she finally enjoyed playing and sitting in the sand. At playgroup there is a sand pit, but always refused to go in. One day, all by herself she went in and sat then slowly played in the sand. Now no probs. good luck

[kitten2b]

Maria was like this as well, hated sand, would only walk on the beach if she was wearing socks - is getting better now.

[*noni*e*]

like dee said it could be a sensory thing but like others said could be nothing and he might grow out of it..
i used to look after a boy with autism who had severe sensory issues and sand was something he hated too.. to get him used to it we introduced sand to other things he liked.. small amount of sand in playdough built up more and more over time so he could slowly get used to the texture.. sand in paint.. or a small amount for him to play with other toys in like cars or plastic animals.. id imagine you could do the same with grass as well... even he will now get in the sand pit and play and he loves it was just a matter of him getting used to it..

[an29]

thanks very much for all your replies, It's all been helpful and encouraging... he is due for his 18 month checkup next week so i'll be interested to see if the doctor has anything to say..

Dee: if i give him a bucket with sand he does play around with it a little, he has a slightly concerned look on his face while doing this and touch's it gingerly... but he doesn't cry or anything... i've never heard of sensory processing - tactile defensiveness... Do they grow out of this or is it with them for life?

anyway again thankyou all very much...

[Lilly-Pilly]

Sensory processing disorders can stick with them for life and affect adulthood aswell, although as DD is getting older she is getting much better. She is 6 now and still has issues but we are learning how to work around them.
She LOVES sand and playdough and messy things now, her problems are more related to clothes and sensations on the body rather than sticking her hand in things that feel funny

[Ambah]

Aidyn also had aversions to grass and sand.... but through constant exposure he eventually got past it.

I think that letting him play with the sand, without putting him in it, is a great way to get him used to it...

Moving this to General Baby & Toddler discussion.