4 yr old - false cough?and other worrying behaviour?

[tab]

My ds1 is 4 1/2 and due to start reception in jan. He is currently in the nursery class of the same school. The teacher called me in last week to mention that she was concerned about his behaviour - doesnt seem to want to play outside and is demonstrating slightly strange behaviour ie not responding when teachers speak to him and not sitting on the carpet when asked. I hope that it is just anxiety about going into reception as they have started taking them into reception for a few hours each week and he may be nervous about it. This last week he seems to have developed a funny cough. At first it seemed like a tickly cough but now has developed into what sounds "forced" and I have noticed that if he's deep in play there is absolutely no "cough" - its almost as if he does it when he remembers. And if it is something like that, he starts to do it very frequently. Has anybody else had children with anxiety. The teacher is monitoring him at the moment and I just feel stressed and worried and upset. Of course I havent mentioned anything to him but I am beginning to wonder about his behaviour. He gets very upset/angry if the smallest thing goes wrong - really out of proportion. Any advice welcome. teacher said that if she still has concerns she may take advice from senco worker and this has got me very worried. He's not very speedy if you know what I mean and not keen on very crowded situations, ie lots of children running for a ball.

[fortyplus]

A friend's child developed a false cough that was quite definitely attention seeking behaviour. I really wouldn't worry too much - lots of children develop these little strategies. Many also take longer than average to settle in to a group - especially if you don't work at all and they have been used to being with you all the time. I was SAHM & that's a definite drawback compared with the kids that get farmed out to day nurseries, but it all evens out eventually.
From what you've said my only slight concern would be to get his hearing checked - but I bet it'll be normal!

[kseaj]

My dd started started reception class in september everything was fine, 9 weeks ago i gave birth to ds2 (3rd child). For the last few weeks she has been going to the toilet every 10-15 mins have had her checked by the doc nothing wrong. Have also spoken to the teacher and we have both noticed that like your son when she is deep in play she forgets to go. Going to see how she goes over the christmas hoilday to see if it takes her mind of it. If not going to deal with the problem then hope this helps if not at least you know your not on your own with this sort of problem.