My child started preschool in September (early 3's program), and was fine with going in the door alone. No problems, SUPER happy-going. Loved doing the projects, etc. Now, it's November nearly, and suddenly my child cries when we arrive and does not want to go in, and also had made specific requests not to take any fun sports classes that they were BEGGING me to sign them up for earlier in the year. Any situation now where Mommy can't be there, my child struggles. This is TOTALLY OPPOSITE of how my child was before. I have talked with the teachers and my child still likes the activities. Nothing has really changed.
What is going on? The kids who had trouble adjusting in the beginning are fine now. I never heard of SUDDENLY becoming unadjusted mid-year.
It's not about adjusting, your child just wants to spend more time with you. This is completely common and normal. First school is fun, then the child just misses mommy. What you decide to do about that is up to you. Preschool is not necessary.
He's 3.
Each child is different.
My son, at 2 then 3 then now 4... "bonds" with me differently. Versus how my daughter was.
My son now at 4... is attached to me differently now... close to me and wanting me in a different way then when he was 3. Hard to describe... but developmental.
Or maybe, are there issues with the other kids? Some kids are sensitive to the "vibes" of other kids... and THEIR behavior or temperaments.... and some kids are just not nice.
Does your child LIKE the Teacher??? You said he likes the activities... but so, how does he like the Teacher???? Or her style of handling the kids????
Maybe, just be a fly on the wall one day... and observe the class and the Teacher and kids....
CONTINUE to allow him to express himself to you, though. Always....
all the best,
Susan
My daughter is doing the same thing. Her teacher advised me that some kids go through this and it takes them a little time to get over the hump, so to speak. I think that the novelty has worn off for her with all the new kids and toys, etc. and that is part of the problem, too. There is even one kid in her class that has been going to the school for a while, was in the toddler room, and is now suddenly crying every morning. I'm just working with her teacher, communicating lots and trying to stay positive with my daughter, reminding her of all the fun she has once she is there with her friends. But it is hard to turn off the guilt when I drop her off and to not start second guessing my decision to enroll her this year. I do think it is best for her though. Hope this helps. Hang in there!
As an owner of a childcare center I can tell you children can go through phases for no reason. I have read some of the posts and agree that something could be happening at school, but then you also said it is spilling over into other activities when you are not there. He may be having trouble dealing with situations with other children and only feels secure when you are there to help him through. I wouldn't give into it, I would try to help him through it. Talk about difference situations with him and maybe role play. For instance, does Joey take a toy from you? What do you do when Joey takes the toy? Do you go to your teacher for help? Sometimes children just don't know how to put it into words, but through roll play you may be able to get it out. Are there observation windows at school that you can observe him and maybe see for yourself that he is doing okay it is just his initial arrival that he is having difficulty with. My suggestion would be to stick it out and continue to support him and be positive and it should pass. However, you know your child best and if you feel he isn't ready for school no harm in taking him out and restarting again next year. Good luck
You might find that what your child is crying about is just a small thing at preschool that is bothering him. My daughter freaked out about being at kindergarten because she didn't like using the bathroom in the neighboring k room. Seems small and silly to us, but she had anxiety about it. It has taken a while for her to feel comfortable using that bathroom but her anxiety has gone down since we discovered the problem.
I do agree that your child might just miss you and is putting on a show for you. If he/she is fine while there, then it's to try to manipulate you. My kids do it all the time! I think preschool is wonderful for teaching your child how to separate from you and how to function in a group/social setting. Good luck!
Sounds like another kid in the class may be bothering your child. investigate and ask the teacher if there have been any friction with yours and another kid. There's always one really aggressive kid in every class, lol! I've been through it with all my kids. Sometimes you have to give the teacher a head's up about watching that kid closely. I did that and it got better. Try to talk to your kid about the kids in class and ask who is a good friend and who isn't etc. You might be able to get info that way. Also, see if a new teacher or aid has been working in your kid's class. They might be stern and not too warm and fuzzy which could be the cause of your child's anxiety.
