NC for this.
Hello, DS is winter born, and is one of the oldest kids in reception. He has a lot of anxiety about going to school. He worries about going to school all evening, goes to bed worried, and wakes up worrying about it in the morning. Every morning we have to push him to go to school, and there’s lots of crying and complaining. He has big meltdowns when he’s back from school.
His class teacher says he has lots of friends in school and is quite happy when he is there. DS used to go to a small nurturing nursery before this for 2 years, and it was the same story even then. So it doesn’t seem like the behaviour has much to do with the specific school per say. It seems to be down to separation anxiety. He just wants to stay at home with Mum and Dad. (There’s nothing particularly exciting happening at home - screen time is very limited and he doesn’t play video games or anything)
Is this normal behaviour for a 5 year old? Is this just a phase that some kids go through? I am very upset seeing him like this and wonder if this will be damaging for him in some way. This is already affecting him negatively as he’s very stressed during term time even at home. Once the holidays start he’s much calmer and happier.
A bit of background - DS was a high needs baby and the baby years were super hard. He’s the sweetest little boy, but he’s very “intense” , for lack of a better word. He really gets into the simplest things like maybe a piece of paper he’s playing with. He’s also anxious in general. I have considered neuro divergence, but doesn’t seem like he has any traits except anxiety.
I am considering talking to GP/health visitor, but I don’t think I’ll get much help. Hence turning to experienced parents and teachers on mumsnet for advice.