Is your child starting school soon?

[sb34]

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sb34, your DS is having to cope with lots of changes at the moment which will all have an unsettling effect on him. He's been in hospital, finished playgroup and his mind may well be working overtime on the school idea. We've also had a bit of warm weather which affects sleep and always sends my kids silly, then there are the lighter nights and brighter mornings so perhaps he isn't getting enough sleep.

I have always found that my own kids get really naughty when they are tired, excited or simply have their routine changed and I bet there are lots of other parents who can say exactly the same. I really wouldn't worry about DS going to school and there is no point delaying the start because that will only add another uncertainty for him to worry about. I'm sure he will settle down fairly soon once he gets used to the different routine of being on holiday. I assume that he has already visited the school and wasn't too upset on these occasions.

Be warned though, during the first week of term my kids are usually a nightmare whilst they adjust. They find school a lot more tiring and also feel the need to let off steam when they have been made to toe the line at school all day.

SB34, it sounds horrible! I asked a similar question recently and got some good advice. The thread was "help 4 year old turning into Kevin the teenager, how do I react?" so you could try looking there.

My ds starts school in Sept too but I think he's ok about it. He's had visits there and wants to go and seems to be looking forward to being there all day. But he's nearly 5 (Oct) so older than your ds.

I don't know what else to advise except trying to keep your temper, be consistent and wait for it to pass. You really do have my sympathy, it's a horrible phase!

I know many friends at the moment who's dds/dss are doing this, all going to start school in Sept. I think PamT is right, my dds always get difficult when they're routine is upset. and while I like the hols it can make life hard, with "what are we doing today mummy?!" My dd1 will start too in Sept and so far is v. excited, but not too keen on going mon-fri! I'm sure he's just letting out his axieties in a safe place. good luck.

Hmmm ... My son was 5 last week, and starts school in September - different system in this county to many others. I was really pleased, as I thought he was no way ready for formal schooling. But having just had his nursery report (see another thread) I am beginning to wonder whether a more structured approach would have been better for him.

We're moving house, so I won't know anyone when he starts school. And he will be joining a class of children who've been together for a year in reception already. So I am counting on you all to give me some support on the first day - as I won't have any friends to cry with!

sb34 - just a quick thought: You may want to post a question again under another heading. This heading does not instantly attract people whose children started school a year ago - and they may well be the people who've been through it, and can offer some suggestions or even solutions..!?

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SB34, no the playstation is not back and never will be! Poor DP has to play it very quietly once ds is asleep and put it up in a high place before morning so ds doesn't know it's here!

Had horrible behaviour this am from ds but it's so much less now! Maybe they weren't connected and it is a phase, to do with school? Ask me after the holidays Can't think it can be cbeebies in your case, ds watches Nick Jr (only a bit) and his behaviour hasn't deteriorated again yet. Hope yours gets better!

sb34, My dd starts school in Sepember and although she seems really excited about the whole thing and loved the day visits, her behaviour just recently has been apalling too. I put this down to the fact it seemed to start when she had Lyme Disease and got extremely overtired, but it has continued and I'm now wondering if it is the uncertainty of starting school. I hadn't thought of this before reading your post, but what you and others have said makes so much sense, especially as she is quite a shy child and doesn't always express her true feelings.
So sorry I can't offer any advice, but if its any consolation at all I understand how frustrating it all is, especially as I left for work this morning and instead of a goodbye kiss all I got was, "Move Mummy I can't see the Television" at which point it promtly got turned off to tantrums of course.
Anyway enough waffle, I am just trying to arrange lots of time with her friends to play over the Summer holidays and time for family outings.
Good luck and here's to it calming down in September.

sb34 - I have had this with both of mine the summer before they started school, one at nearly 5 & one at just turned 4. Although the eldest (in particular) couldn't wait to go, she seemed to throw a wobbly at the silliest thing for ages. Looking back, I do think its a bit of nerves at the thought of the changes about to come. I also know 2 other people going through it at the moment, so you're not alone! It does wear off though. Just be a little careful for the first few weeks. Eldest dd wanted to talk about it all the time, youngest didn't want to mention it for at least an hour.
BTW, not sure if this is your first at school, if it is, my top tip is get them dressed FIRST, and no tv in the morning. If you start this as a house rule from September, you never need to bring it in later.

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sb34 - sudden accidents, can be a sign of some sort of emotional turmoil, but one a day is not a huge crisis. I'm sure he is well aware of the impending upheaval, and that you are worrying about it too. Could he also be reacting to the lack of routine in his day, after playgroup and so on has finished? Maybe a summer playscheme, or a football course, or swimming lessons, or something for a week might give him a bit of routine and stability?

It's just a personal thought. My boys are having a wild summer - 2 wks here, 2 wks with grandparents, then 2 wks at new house with us - new county, new friends, etc., followed by starting school/nursery for both of them. They are well aware what is going on, and are a bit unstable and loopy at times. We are trying to give them some routine for a fortnight at least with swimming lessons in the mornings, and some summer playgroup in the afternoons. It seems to be helping them a bit.