My 5 year old (will be 6 in Nov) has been going to school since he was 3 years old. We recently moved to a new place. I am having trouble with him hanging onto me and crying after me when I take him to school. I find myself spending half an hour trying to convince him he will have fun with his classmates. Would our moving to a new place take an effect on him with going to school? Help!!!
Shortly after we moved, I invited one or two school friends over to play. Since you are so busy, maybe having a Saturday playdate would work. That would help your son feel more like he had friends in the class, and maybe help with the separation anxiety.
By staying you are giving him what he wants even if it is negative...your attention. Work with the staff at the school, doesn't sound like they are assisting. Let them know the situation. You need to hug/kiss, hand him over and leave. I know it breaks our heart to leave our child crying, but I've watched secretly and most of the time my daughter is happily playing in less than 5 minutes.
Most things are phases and the move probably is triggering this phase. You were probably very busy moving and since moving...so this behavior is getting him your time. I also notice that my daughter is clingy if we had a really wonderful time the night before...she's connected and doesn't want the seperation. So it happens for many reasons. Set the limits..."only two hugs, etc and then you go play with your friends."
Good luck
yes, and if you're overworked you may not be benefiting spending 1/2 hour convincing him, instead he could be using this behavior to get more attention from you...
try dropping him off and leaving in a matter of one minute rather then 1/2 hour for at least two solid weeks and see what happens...
At this age, kids don't like moving or change very much. I would try to get his schedule as close as possible to his old one and constantly reassure him. Is he allowed a cuddle or special item at school? If he could take something with him it might help. There is a little book I would read to him about a kiss in the hand, but I forget what it is titled sorry.
My sons were that way, so if I knew ahead of time before the move I would get them ready by talking about it.
In the morning, when you wake up and as he is getting ready mention how much fun school is going to be today. Mention this several times in a happy voice. Ask, what the best part of school is and that you cannot wait to hear how his day went.
After school, ask him about his day. They may not say very much, but keep asking. Apparently with boys, they talk better when occupied, so try tossing around the ball when asking.
At bedtime, remind him that he had a good day at school and another day to have fun is coming.
I hope this will help, but I am sure there will be others with good advice.
K.,
Moving could definitely cause your son some distress.
Sounds like your schedule is super busy. It's so hard to be mom and student and worker!
Try to find some extra time for your little guy - cuddling or doing something he loves. Then, be sure to keep your schedule as close as possible to what it was at his old school. Some regularity can be reassuring to a little person.
Most of all, be compassionate. Change is hard for all of us and he's only a little boy - with less coping methods than you and I have to deal with it. Lots of hugs and reassurances won't hurt or spoil him. He'll get used to it.
M.
maybe your son does not like the place. My daughter only got upset when the did not like the day care. My husband and I would change her daycare, she is happy know. Good luck
