DS [4.4]has decided he hates nursery.....

[Nemoandthefishes]

since they had christmas holidays he has cried every morning about going into school. Tonight he cried going to bed that he didnt want to go. He says he hates the class and the children,yet once I have got him in there he is ok. Spoken to teachers who have also had a word and cant work out what is wrong with him. He has good friends who he chats about, apparently he is very involved in everything that happens and will chat about have occured. So how do I help him settle. He isnt new to being away from home as he did a year at playgroup before he started nursery. I know he doesnt HAVE to go at the moment but in sept he will and I want him to be more settled and know some of the children who will be in his class etc.

[Nemoandthefishes]

anyone?

[moopymoo]

how much is he going? could he do just mornings or afternoons for a while? Or do 4 days? Does he seem tired? has he had cold or bug recently? My ds1 went through a bit of this and it is a balancing act between letting them know that soon they will have to go and no whinging will work, and recognising that they are still little and sometimes it takes a while to adjust. it will pass, however, good luck

[Nemoandthefishes]

he does mornings every week day. He has been more tired than normal and he did have croup a couple of weeks ago. I just dont know what to do as I know he doesnt have to go now but he will do soon so dont want him to think he can just take random days whenever he wants.

[Fimbo]

I am going through this at the moment with my ds (just turned 4). All I can get out of him is "I don't like Billy".

He has already been bitten by Billy and I think they had a bit of a fight on Friday over trains.

[moopymoo]

hmm its a tough one isnt it. I think my instinct would be to cut is days down a bit or let him miss a day if he is very fed up. On balance i think i would go on the side of him being little and not wanting to put him off school. He will know it is different when he starts ful time. Though I am known for being soft and ds1 missed quite a few days in reception because he was just knackered. he is now 10 and loves school. though how ds2 who is 3.5 will be when he starts who knows....

[Bingandbong]

My ds hated nursery too. He was about the same age as your ds when he really became unhappy about going. I decided to stop sending him as we were both miserable about it. He started school last september and apart from a few tears going in for the first week he was absolutely fine. Go with your instincts, I wouldn't worry about him having friends already, at this age they soon make new friends. I loved having my ds at home with me, school days come around all too quickly.