DS (3 years) and DD (2 years) go to a tiny, family run rural nursery. There's two rooms: baby room and toddler room.
Until DS turned 3 they were in the baby room together. They were very happy, excited to go everyday, happy at drop off & pick up, we were happy with their care, lovely key workers, it was all wonderful and we felt so comfortable leaving them while we were at work.
When DS turned 3 he moved up to the toddler room. The toddler room places more demands on the children and pushes them for more independence and more adult led activities - that's all great.
DS has started to get really anxious about going. He's having tantrums in the morning and delaying the inevitable by any means. He says he doesn't like the room lead but can't explain why.
We initially thought it was due to the increased demands and he was tired.
Before Christmas we got his "report" saying he wasn't yet speaking in sentences and unable to answer questions or follow instructions - it was a bit of a grim read as it didn't sound like him nor like his reports from the baby room.
DS was prem and poorly and he has a very mild language delay - so mild that most people wouldn't notice.
DS can be quite an anxious child. When he's anxious his processing slows down or he struggles to understand or formulate sentences. So I'm thinking that he's spending his days at nursery feeling anxious and unable to process instructions and questions, and unable to communicate.
I want to chat with nursery about this but I'm also very conscious that I don't want to be one of "those mums"...
"Oh but my little darling is extra sensitive so please be extra nice"
And I know he's got to be ready for school but he's got 20 months before he starts school and anxiety isn't going to make him ready for school!
Am I being precious? What should I do?
I feel so awful for him but I don't want to be unrealistic about life. Help!