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Original poster

Help! DS starts school in 1 week and says he isn't going

56 replies

rationalopposition · 10/08/2022 18:29

We went a walk past his school today and I said 'there's your school, won't it be exciting to start next week!' He was very matter of fact and replied that he isn't going Shock

I tried to remind him about his visit, which he quite enjoyed (I think Confused) and he very crossly said he'd been to school and wasn't going back.

What should I do?! I was going to get his uniform out this week and get him to try it on etc, but he had the looks of an almighty tantrum about him today.

OP posts:
Soontobe60 · 10/08/2022 18:32

On the day, get him up, dressed and take him!

Icedlatteplease · 10/08/2022 18:34

Soontobe60 · 10/08/2022 18:32

On the day, get him up, dressed and take him!

Yep this. Dont make a fuss beforehand, just this is what you do.

Sprogonthetyne · 10/08/2022 18:34

I'd not mention it for a day or so, then leave the uniform out for him to find in a non pressure way (like you've been labeling it and 'fogot' to put it away). Curiosity and the excitement of new stuff might get the better of him. If you have character water bottle/ lunch box you can put in with the uniform, all the better.

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Adelaide66 · 10/08/2022 18:36

Calmly continue the uniform plans, making it a fun outing for him. I wouldn't refer to school but jif he brings up the subject justmbe cheery and positive. What we say is often different to what we mean so ignore this brief burst of negativity. We know that he doesn't have a choice.1/23

mbosnz · 10/08/2022 18:39

Reminds me of the story about me - apparently I thought that after I'd had my first day at school, I knew it all, and that was that, thank you very much!

Different time of course, but Mum dragged me out from under the kitchen table, fed me (don't ask), dressed me, and Dad delivered me unto Mrs Styles who looked at me and gave me to know, without words, that we weren't going to have a problem here, were we. . .

All you got to do is bag 'em, they'll tag 'em.

NoSquirrels · 10/08/2022 18:40

Loads of DC are like this, I think - certainly my mum reported that my brother went for one day to big school, enjoyed himself but then declared he’d done that now, no need for more Grin

Just don’t make it a big deal. Clothes ready, lunchboxes etc. but not loads of chat about it in advance, then just crack on on the day.

Topseyt123 · 10/08/2022 18:41

You ignore his comments completely. When the day comes you just get him ready and take him, ignoring any protests if they happen.

It is quite simply non-negotiable and not up for discussion.

PastMyBestBeforeDate · 10/08/2022 18:41

Yes don't make it into a thing. He knows it's happening. Be matter of fact about it, it is just what he does now. DS always does this and he's at secondary!

Original poster
rationalopposition · 10/08/2022 18:41

Ok. I wasn't sure whether more or less preparation would help, but bag 'em and they'll tag 'em has made me laugh Grin

OP posts:
itsgettingweird · 10/08/2022 18:43

rationalopposition · 10/08/2022 18:41

Ok. I wasn't sure whether more or less preparation would help, but bag 'em and they'll tag 'em has made me laugh Grin

Made me giggle too!

Only you know if ds is an anxious child who needs more prep or stubborn and just exerting his authority over the idea.

Dependent on the reason would guide how I dealt with it.

Littlemissprosecco · 10/08/2022 18:44

My youngest starts A levels in September, apparently he’s not going either!
you have many years of this to come, relax and go with it!!

Greensleeves · 10/08/2022 18:48

My cousin came home from his first day of school in high dudgeon, insistent that he wasn't going THERE again - they made him do "stupid fat work".

He'll get over it Grin

WeAllHaveWings · 10/08/2022 18:50

I told ds it was the law and I would be sent to jail if he didnt go.

Poor wee sowl did what was needed to keep his mum out of prison 🤣

Festoonlights · 10/08/2022 18:53

Can you organise any play dates with dc that are also going? My dc felt a lot happier with a few buddies there

hotdiggetydog · 10/08/2022 18:56

Think you need to respect his opinion here. Is a year out a workable compromise?

Purplepatsy · 10/08/2022 18:58

hotdiggetydog · 10/08/2022 18:56

Think you need to respect his opinion here. Is a year out a workable compromise?

He's 5, it's not up for debate.

maddiemookins16mum · 10/08/2022 19:02

Is this a joke, are you really asking what to do because your wain has said he’s not going to School?

maddiemookins16mum · 10/08/2022 19:03

hotdiggetydog · 10/08/2022 18:56

Think you need to respect his opinion here. Is a year out a workable compromise?

really? Utter nonsense.

PipinwasAuntieMabelsdog · 10/08/2022 19:03

My nephew treated it like a one off event too. He was no more difficult to get off to school than any other child. DD goes this time and she calls it 'big kids nursery', because that's how she understands it. You'll be fine. Bright, breezy. 'In you go darling, have a great day and Mummy will be here at home time! Byee'

LilacPoppy · 10/08/2022 19:04

@WeAllHaveWings why did you lie to him?

PipinwasAuntieMabelsdog · 10/08/2022 19:04

@hotdiggetydog Yea, that's how the world works....😂

HowManyTurtles · 10/08/2022 19:06

You either home educate or tell him he is going regardless.

Thesearmsofmine · 10/08/2022 19:06

I’d ask him why. It might be that something scared him or he just thought that it was a one off and you can deal with them quickly and easily.

hotdiggetydog · 10/08/2022 19:07

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TheLionTheWitchAndTheChesterDraws · 10/08/2022 19:07

hotdiggetydog · 10/08/2022 18:56

Think you need to respect his opinion here. Is a year out a workable compromise?

I thought you were being serious for a minute! 😂