DD still hates going to reception, help

[kindnessisnotaweakness]

DD started reception in Sept. it was a nightmare few weeks, but we thought things would improve - they haven’t. She cries pretty much the whole time from waking up to drop off - we are late more often than not, and getting up earlier doesn’t seem to help as it’s just more time to battle.

I don’t want to be too harsh on her as she is genuinely upset and she says scared. She doesn’t seem to have made any friendships so far, and never mentions any of her classmates. She does like her teacher so that’s something.

I don’t know what to do or how to help her. I feel so sad for her, she’s not even 5 and she seems to be so sad.

I really need to help her get though this, what can I do?

Have you talked to her teacher about your concerns? She will be able to tell you if she is happy in the day. Often young children get upset before going into school but are happily involved five minutes after mum has left. I remember a child who screamed his head off every morning but was totally occupied and happy by the time his mother had got to the end of the school path. The school secretary used to call his mother a little later to tell her she had been around to the class and he was fine. In any case her teacher would want to discuss your worries and do what she can to help. Also, she isn’t even five so this is a difficult adjustment for her. Christmas activities will soon be evident at school and these might help. Please don’t worry. It will soon sort itself out.

It's been a while and I think as the parent, you do need to eb a little firmer in getting her to school on time and explaining to her that school is something that we do just have to do.

Being nice and soft a first is always great, but to get to Christmas and still have issues, something needs to change. Get up and get her ready yourself if you have to. Get as much ready and in the car the night before so that you just get her up, dressed and go. Don't give the space to fight it and really think about it. Also ask the teacher what their weekly timetable is and talk to her about the topics they're covering that day.

I'd also ask her teacher about any after school clubs at the school that others in her class attend. It would be a good chance for her to spend some more time getting to know them and the school on a more informal basis rather than the normal day structure.