Y7 started well, but struggling in the second week... anyone else?

28 replies

HereComesYourMam · 15/09/2020 08:39

DS got off to a really good start in his first week at secondary - we were quite surprised actually as we expected a few wobbles. He was very enthusiastic about everything, made some new friends, was confident about getting the bus, finding his way round etc, all fine.

This week is a different story though - he's been in floods of tears both mornings, not wanting to go in, saying it's horrible and scary. I think it's mainly because it's all so tiring (mentally and physically), and everything feels overwhelming when you're tired. But also after being at home for the best part of six months, after the initial excitement he's finding it hard to detach from us.

So I guess I'm just after some reassurance... is anyone else having similar experiences? Is this pretty standard for secondary starters? Is it worse this year because of all the extra weirdness?

OP posts:

Earslaps · 15/09/2020 09:42

DS is a bit low but I think a lot of it is the damn restrictions at the moment. They have shorter days so break times are restricted and there's therefore less social time to get to know your new classmates. They also aren't allowed to play football or any games really at break, which is how my DS communicates plus they don't get the away day activity day they normally would at the start of y7.

Original poster

HereComesYourMam · 15/09/2020 09:35

Thank you so much, MumOfDiamonds - yes it really does feel awful! I know it will get better though, and it always helps to hear about other kids settling down quickly

OP posts:

MumOfDiamonds · 15/09/2020 08:53

Hi, my DD was yr7 last year. When she first started, in every single one of her lessons, she didn't know anyone. The first 2 weeks were hard for her. She's very withdrawn with her emotions so I didn't see her physically upset but she stopped speaking to me and was noticeably not her usual self. She's not great socially so struggled to interact in those first few weeks, but by week 3 she had got into the routine and people began approaching her and she made a great little group of friends. Your DS has already got over the hurdle of making some new friendships, and I'm sure he will soon get use to the routine. Everything is different for all years this year, so I imagine it's a even more daunting for the year 7's. I really hope he starts to settle in, I know as a parent how awful it feels having to send them when you know they aren't happy.

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