Has anyone had to introduce their toddlers to a large group of family? If so how did they react?
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My little one definitely picks up on my anxiety which amplifies his reaction 100x fold. I’d focus on keeping your anxiety low, you can’t really control your toddler’s behaviour. I would consider these options: option 1) don’t go to the lunch. Introduce him later to the key people from the lunch in a calmer situation. Option 2) build up to him meeting strangers gradually : don’t go to the lunch at all or go by yourself this time. Get him used to meeting strangers by going to restaurants with 1 sympathetic friend. Or doing play dates with new people. And gradually increase the number of strangers. Once he’s more comfortable, go to the big family events with him. Option 3) accept that the lunch will be an emotional sh*tshow, focus on just getting through it for x number of minutes (set a goal). Remove the pressure of him acting perfectly. If he sees you calm throughout, he will eventually learn that these family events are ok (probably not this time, but the next time will be easier)
Hi, look up makaton signs if they have speech delay. There nursery or school with start with makaton signs to help with there speech. Then you can do a routine board now”breakfast” next blah blah print out some routine pictures x
My two cents. I would ask the adults before meeting them, not to touch my baby unless they reach for them first . Be upright honest . They can warm up by playing with them without touching the little ones.