Preschooler upset seeing me at sports day

[Bunny2712]

My 3.5 year old got really upset today when I took him to nursery for sports' day (he doesn't usually go on a Fri). I'm just trying to work out why he was the only one there who got upset when he saw me 'spectating'. He got upset when I left him in his preschool room initially but I get that. However every time he looked over and saw me sitting with the other parents he welled up, like he couldn't bear to see me without being able to come over. About 5 mins before the end I waved him over for a cuddle. Then of course he was fine. Just trying to understand the behaviour and how to help him.

like he couldn't bear to see me without being able to come over
You've said it right there. It's probably the first time you've ever been visible but out of reach which is really confusing for him. I'd talk to him about how strange it must have been for him (and for you too) but how much you enjoyed seeing him joining in and having fun with his friends (if that was the case).

Thanks DevonFolk. Will do that. I guess I was wondering why none of the others were upset too. I'm not sure but I suspect DS is a bit different. Like, all the others were happy to get involved, he didn't want to.

DD is similar. She's always been the clingy one when her friends have been tearing off and getting on with it. Don't worry, he'll be fine, it just might take him a bit longer to get his head around it all