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Original poster

Is this normal?

33 replies

afreshbouquetofpencils · 29/09/2024 19:22

DS has just started year 4.

He cries at every drop off. He doesn’t cling to me like he used to as a small child, but he finds leaving me so hard even now. He gets very emotional at goodbyes generally and definitely feels things deeply.

He’s definitely not being bullied, he’s very happy at school.

I’ve always wondered if this level of emotion is “normal”, for want of a better word?

OP posts:
Procrastinates · 29/09/2024 20:18

afreshbouquetofpencils · 29/09/2024 20:15

It’s sadness at the separation. He and I are very close. He doesn’t tend to cry when DH drops him, and never when it’s the childminder. Just me!

If he doesn't cry when anyone else is dropping off I'd be inclined to think he's doing it because he knows he will get a reaction from you to be honest and would be making an effort to get others to drop him off for a while to break the cycle.

Original poster
afreshbouquetofpencils · 29/09/2024 20:15

It’s sadness at the separation. He and I are very close. He doesn’t tend to cry when DH drops him, and never when it’s the childminder. Just me!

OP posts:
IntheVicinity · 29/09/2024 20:12

I mean, what exactly it is he’s feeling?

IntheVicinity · 29/09/2024 20:12

Have you talked to him about what’s going on?

Original poster
afreshbouquetofpencils · 29/09/2024 20:11

He is 8.5.

OP posts:
Original poster
afreshbouquetofpencils · 29/09/2024 20:10

Thanks both for your honest answers. When I say cry, I don’t mean the full sobbing that small kids do but yes, tears a lot of the time (most days) and again at other goodbyes.

No other concerns, other than his emotions more generally. He feels everything very deeply. Otherwise he’s sociable, clever, sleeps well, eats well, behaves well.

OP posts:
Procrastinates · 29/09/2024 19:35

It would be incredibly unusual in my experience for a child in year 4 to cry in a morning let alone at every drop off.

I would be surprised to see or hear of a child doing it and there not be additional considerations such as neurodivisity.

Staunchlystarling · 29/09/2024 19:23

It wouldn’t be common no op, what is he 8 or 9? Do you have other concerns about his development?