i have a four year old. a boy. who is fine in the morning getting ready and fine going down the road in the car to school but as soon as we get into the classroom he is attached to me wont stop crying and wont let go..he is afraid to mix with other kids. any ideas?
Comments for
how to get my four year old to start school
Bernie,
Not to worry, this is typical behavior in preschoolers. The key is to make the parting as quick and painless as possible. This way of doing things actually puts the majority of the pain of parting on you, the adult, as you worry on your way out of the door what damage am I doing to my poor child?" or "Now he is going to have separation anxiety forever. Just listen to his wails!" The reality is this, the little ones are getting a payoff when they cry a little and we stay and faun over them, and fuss ourselves. If we don't give in to that behavior, they are usually fine either 2 minutes after we walk out the door, or for those Great Manipulators (or occasionally genuinely distraught kids) it might take a week or so of sticking to your guns. Still, in the long run, you are letting them know that there is nothing to fear, and that it is okay. If however, your child only does this at one place, and it doesn't stop or if you feel suspicious, you might want to look deeper into the situation. Abuse in schools is rare, although it is not unheard of. You know your child and yourself better than anyone. If your child is usually independent and adventurous and not attached to your apron strings, and if your not the "Nervous Nelly" type who is over-protective with a tendency towards babying the child, then heed the warning signs. If, however, you are certain that those circumstances do not apply, then just make the separation as quick and painless as possible, so that your boy can see that all is well and that if you trust them, then he can to. They should be willing to help you through this transition. If not, then I might think about finding a new school anyway. Good Luck!
