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Original poster

Anyone else got a summer born starting school this week?

22 replies

WinterRainbow · 03/09/2018 18:10

DS was born 31st Aug so he’s pnly just turned 4 and tomorrow he starts school. He’s currently saying he’s not going because he’s scared. I’m really nervous about how he will get on. Anyone else got a summer born starting school who just fancies a chat/hand hold?

OP posts:
CaviarAndCigarettes · 03/09/2018 18:14

No, but last year I did. He was absolutely fine, met all targets and was really supported by school.
Mid year he had a little wobble where he started to be nervous about going but it soon passed.

I understand your worry!

Impulsesealer · 03/09/2018 18:16

No it’s my eldest summer born I worry about and think I always will!
Youngest is starting school next week but I think he will smash it.

Ta1kinpeace · 03/09/2018 18:18

I remember how TINY DS looked when he started school

He starts Uni soon Grin

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Impulsesealer · 03/09/2018 18:19

Ps why not have a chat with him and tell him about the cuddle button. You each draw a little love heart on your hands and when you are feeling worried or scared you can press it, it sends mummy a message so she knows to send a cuddle back. You charge them up by holding hands on the way to school.

Mumteedum · 03/09/2018 18:23

Aww.. My ds was born very end of July and remember that feeling well. Talk to school.. Hopefully they'll reassure you. My little boy has been good as gold at school and always been happy to go.

I was born end Aug myself and I was always top of my class if that helps at all Wink

He'll settle in and you will be OK too

RSTera · 03/09/2018 18:25

My own experience with DS was that YR was fine, because it was very active, lots of choosing, the expectation that help would sometimes be needed for zips etc.

It was the first half of Y1 that was difficult because just 5 was too soon to be writing stories, sitting doing pencil and paper maths and having to wait for playtime to be able to have a move around.

This will depend how formally your school do Y1 though.

NotExactlyHappyToHelp · 03/09/2018 18:33

Oh I know how you feel. DS turned 4 on the 29th August and he was at school a few days later.

If it helps at all he’s just started year 5 and the age difference doesn’t matter a jot. He took to school well and being the youngest has never been an issue (although when he’s the last to turn 18 I imagine he’ll grump Grin).

The cuddle button a PP advised sounds a bloody lovely thing to do.

Hope your little DS has a brilliant time.

Original poster
WinterRainbow · 03/09/2018 18:36

Thanks everyone! I’m so worried about him. I’m sure I will feel better after the first day. And he is tiny for his age too. We struggled to find school uniform small enough. It does feel a bit mean that he’s expected to all these things that, if he was born a day later, he wouldn’t have to do for another year.

Cuddle button sounds like a good idea for me as much as him! Grin

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SleepymrsE · 03/09/2018 18:43

Yep, DS was 4 at the end of June and is struggling with the idea of school. He screamed and sobbed at his induction session back in July and had to be pulled off me. Was heartbreaking. First day tomorrow. Can’t say I’m looking forward to it!

CheerfulMuddler · 03/09/2018 18:46

No, but my little summer-born is starting nursery. Potty-training is ... er ... something of a work-in-progress (though we're getting there). But they've been lovely with him, and he had a great day today, didn't want to leave.

Orlandointhewilderness · 03/09/2018 18:49

My DD has just turned 7. She was 31 august (at 11 o'clock at night lol!) as well. It is daunting, and we were worried how she would cope, but she does incredibly well. The biggest things we have noticed the difference in is PE - there is a world of difference in her co ordination etc between some of her friends who are nearly a whole year older - and maths. Her teacher has said no to worry about the maths because some things are a developmental thing and there is no point pushing them as younger children just don't have the development to do some of the harder. It has proved to be true and she is catching up. Things like french/english/grammar/spellings etc she is way ahead and nothing else gives concern.

I think it is vital to have a good relationship with the teacher but honestly, he will be fine!

ReggieKrayDoYouKnowMyName · 03/09/2018 18:51

Yes! DD was 4 in July and starts this week. Starting to feel very nervous although I’m a teacher myself so should know better. I know she will be fine (even if I’m not).

I just keep trying to remember how nervous I felt when she went off to nursery two years ago (just five days after getting a baby sister too!) and she was fine then and will be fine now too.

Toddlerteaplease · 03/09/2018 18:54

@Impulsesealer that is such a lovely idea!

ATownCalledAlicia · 03/09/2018 19:08

My eldest DS is a 30 August baby (just going into year 4, not such a baby!). Socially he was generally ok with reception (nothing out of the ordinary) but academically he struggled and the school made us feel he was really behind.

He was diagnosed SEN which I was cross about as I felt it was just immaturity. He just didn't get reading and his fine motor skills really were lacking.

HOWEVER....it started to turn around the spring term of reception and by the middle of year 1 he was average in the class. He just kept improving and now he's a total bookworm and is doing really well (above average).

So it may take some time, I think summer born boys struggle more than SB girls but they should catch up.

To be fair to the school, they did spend the extra time with him which helped.

Good luck Thanks

OrchidFlakes · 03/09/2018 19:23

My DS is about to start yr 2 and is mid August born. He struggled socially at school (scared, loud noises, not wanting to join in) for all of reception and some of yr 1 but has been fine academically!

The head teacher, reception teacher and general TA who floats through infant classes were incredibly supportive, understanding and went out of their way to smooth things.

From a home perspective I didn’t push clubs or hobbies, offered favorite foods regularly, didn’t insist on school dinners and kept home as easy as possible.

He cried going into school a lot, even into yr 1 but wasn’t sad to be there IFKWIM just the separation and the anxiety school caused. (He had been similar at preschool but loved the place once he settled). He is looking forward to yr 2 and is hitting his stride.

It’s rotten on summer burns but they do get there in the end. Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to advocate for him if necessary. You will also need to be gentle with yourself as it’s tough emotionally. Good luck to you both

PurpleCrazyHorse · 03/09/2018 19:57

DD is now going into Y5 but she only turned 9 last week. She struggled a bit in reception as she just wanted to play and simply wasn't at all interested in phonics etc. She didn't start engaging with phonics until Y1 and was significantly behind in reading. However in Y4 we blitzed it with lots of reading at home to improve vocabulary and fluency (as she had the basics by then) and she jumped a whole reading year. She's now working at her age for everything except maths (where she's above).

So, I guess I just wanted to say, it can be hard and worrying but in DD's case she's doing well and enjoying school. I wonder if she might have had an easier time early on if she was born in September instead but equally she could have been bored and disruptive. Her main issue is that she will be the last to learn to drive (and I know she'll be the last to have ID for drinking, she hasn't clocked that yet at 9yo!!)

Original poster
WinterRainbow · 04/09/2018 10:26

Well thank goodness for DH who somehow persuaded DS this morning that going to school was something to be excited about. He bounced off happily into the classroom without so much as a look back. It’s been a very emotional morning for me though. I think I’ll worry this year and next about the age thing as it makes such a big difference at this age.

Thanks for your comments. It’s been really interesting to hear other people’s experience and the things we might encounter over the next few years

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WhiteHartLane · 04/09/2018 10:39

My DS is July born and just gone into Yr1 today. He loved Reception and was eager to start, although due to a SAL disorder he didn't meet many of his end of year targets and the only writing he can do really is spell his name. He is a Maths wizz though.

I am nervous about this coming year, although the school and his new teacher are fantatstic and have already arranged an appointment for me to meet with them in a fortnight, I am concerned he is going to dislike all the "work"

DS1 is a September born (now in Y7) and he breezed through Primary with no concerns.

Hope your DS enjoys his 1st day and has lots of fun!

Eyebagsandcoffee · 04/09/2018 10:46

I’m with you! My DD has the same birthday, she starts tomorrow. I’m terrified! She’s fine though.

BlueChampagne · 04/09/2018 12:02

My late August DS1 is starting secondary this week, having sailed through primary school. He even had his first day at primary the very day we moved house. I'm sure they'll do fine, even if it takes a little while. Reception teachers deal with this every year!

Original poster
WinterRainbow · 04/09/2018 22:25

Well Day 1 done and DS is happy and looking forward to going back tomorrow Smile He says he finds his classroom scary. I’m sure that’s just first day nerves so fingers crossed for the rest of the week. Good luck to the little ones who r starting tomorrow!

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Mumteedum · 05/09/2018 07:14

Ahhhw well done winter's ds! That's fab x

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