DS moved school 2 years age and still says he prefers old one...

[Flyonthewindscreen]

We moved house over 2 years ago (only 7 miles but couldn't find the right house in the village where we were living). This meant a school move during his reception year for DS (now 7) after being very happily with the same group of friends though toddler group/playgroup/nursery/reception. He is generally an easy going sociable kind of child so I thought he would adapt well but it took a long time for him to settle, possibly because his new school was similar to his old one in being a one form entry school with a group of children who had already been together as tots onwards.

I tried everything I could to help him to settle - seeing lots of his old friends at first, then cutting back on seeing them, then making lots of effort to invite new school friends for playdates etc and making to effort myself to get to know the other parents. Finally I thought he was at home, he has a circle of friends (although no real v close best friends), is invited to parties, etc and always has a tale to tell about who he has played with that day at playtime. He is doing well at school although is not keen on his teacher.

Then yesterday, out of the blue he said he still liked his old school and his old friends better and that they were nicer. He seemed to mean it too and was not just being silly. I just said oh [DS] and gave him hug. I don't think there is anything else I can do, we aren't moving back! Most people seem to say that their children move on once they've moved school v easily, does anyone else have a child that won't?

[basementbear]

Poor you and poor DS . My DS's best friend moved away two years ago - also Reception year, and DS still says he misses him. We don't live close enough to play often but invite each other to birthday parties, send Xmas cards etc. I think it was harder for the other boy because he was the one that moved, whereas my son is still at the same school. Perhaps the fact he's not keen on the teacher is the problem? Hopefully that will change next year?! Sorry I can't offer any advice really, hope others can - as you said, you can't do anything about it really as you can't move back, which must be hard for you.

[Insanity]

My dc have moved schools quite a few times due to dh's job.

If they are having a bad day or something at school hasn't turned out how they want it, they will (more so with my ds who is 8 ) say they like their old school. They seem happy and settled but every now and then will talk about their last school, so perhaps this is happening with your ds?

I deal with it the way you do, just a hug and then move on to something else, and they dont dwell on it then...well untill the next time someone upsets them at school!

The thing is,I really do miss their old school too!

[seeker]

I know it's too late - but maybe you shouldn't have cut back on seeing his old friends - he couls still have seen them at the weekends? Could that still happen or has he lost touch completely now?

My dd went to a different secondary school to most of her friends,and, although she has lots of new friends, she still, 2 years on, loves to see her old friends at weekends.

[Flyonthewindscreen]

Sorry have been away, thanks for replies. Seeker DS does still see a few old school friends in school holidays and for the odd birthday parties but it would seem strange to spend a lot of time with them as we have all moved on. I hope it is as Insanity says is the case for her DS and he is basically ok but gets nostalgic for old times when something has upset him. Basementbear he has had the same teacher at his current school since he started (through part of reception, yr 1 and now yr 2) so he had had enough of her (probably mutual!), hopefully a new teacher for yr 3 might make him more enthusiatic...