5 yr olds first day back to school was a nightmare

[patjoseb]

It was my son's first day back at school today and it was awful. He is having difficulty writing and is having problems coping. He is also very sensitive, so normal everyday teasing is like bullying to him.
All over christmas he has been worring himself sick about going back and today he was in floods of tears (so was I). His teacher is quite sympathetic but it doesn't seem to help.

Anybody got any advice?

Hi Patjoseb - poor you. As a mum I can remember fighting that lump in my throat when I had to leave ds. With my "teacher" head on though, I always say to parents that however dreadful you are feeling inside try not to let the children see how upset you are. Keep positive and talk about all the lovely things ds will be doing/friends he will be seeing etc. when he is at school. If necessary in the morning hand ds over to the teacher or classroom assistant so you can leave promptly without ds having time to get too upset or clingy. Often the worst time is while parents are still there. Once they have gone the child perks up and settles down quickly.

Have you spoken to the teacher about any specific problems that may be worrying him? Sometimes it can be the dinner hall, assemblies, maybe one particular child that is teasing him or maybe there is a younger sibling still at home and he is feeling a little jealous? You said he is having problems writing. Can the teacher suggest some games or activities for you to do at home that may help ds and boost his confidence a bit?

My ds sometimes finds reading social situations difficult, so we talk about what he could have done or said to make the situation better, and discuss whether the other children were actually just playing.

Sorry - you have probably tried all these already. I can't really offer any more suggestions, but can offer an ear to listen

Hope tomorrow is a bit better for you.

Art- Yes I feel I've tried everything. I do have 2 younger boys, but that isn't a problem. He is just incredibly sensitive and takes everything to heart. It's a combination of his being sensitive and struggling with his work, which I think is being pushed on him too young. The school seem to be very big on 'good handwriting'.
He is still only 5 and his motor skills are still a bit slow (can't hold scissors properly). I just wish I could get through to him that there is plenty of time and it isn't the end of the world.
Thanks for the advice and listening to me babble on!