Five year old crying and anxious particularly during hand over at school

[MandaLouMoo]

My five year old daughter who is in Reception has started crying sometimes screaming at School drop off, I spoke to the teacher about it a couple of weeks ago who said she eventually settles. My daughter has a number of nice friends that try and hug her and take her in to school but she screams she just wants me. She has also become unsettled at out of school activities like dancing which she has always loved. She started Rainbows last week and cried so much I had to stay the full hour. I have sat down and had a chat asking if there is anything worrying her/has something happened but she says she doesn't know and can't help it. Please help, I'm driving to work after drop off crying and feeling like the worst parent :-(

You’re not the worst parent! I remember my little sister (now 40) was like this. She just wouldn’t be separated from our mum! She remembers she used to think that mum wouldn’t come back for her. My 5 year old dd sometimes says things along the same lines so what I do is tell her I’ll bring something for her when I pick her up (make sure this doesn’t turn into a habit) she is SO much better now. Also, maybe give her something of yours to “look after” while she’s at school so she knows you’re coming back. It’s so hard when you have to leave them when they’re distressed but it does get easier, I’m very conscious that when she did get upset I’d show no signs of anxiety just a cheerful “have a great day, love you see you soon” then creep back to my car while my heart broke. Hang in there, it’ll be alright.