How to handle behaviour at preschool

[Wherethereshope]

DS started preschool a few weeks ago, he's settled well but started to do things like refuse his food, or push other children.

I'm not sure how to handle this at home or how I can help.

Hiya!

Refusing to eat is quite common when they start nursery etc. We call it the Hunger Strike! It always passes eventually - just ask the pre school to ensure that water is always available (it should be anyway) and encourage him to eat but not force the issue

When it comes to pushing, have you tried books at home that talk about hurting friends etc? The pre school should have an approach to this behaviour - I would speak to them about it and implement it at home whenever possible

Brilliant thankyou!

With the eating - he's starving when he comes home, should I not give anything until tea time or is that mean?

I think he's being boisterous, it's the boy he knows best rather than all of them.. books is a good idea. Do you know of any good ones?

Personally, I would give him something if you would normally give him a snack at that time if he was hungry, say at the weekend etc. If he’s feeling insecure at pre school, then having things change/not giving him things he would normally get at home will only make it worse. In my experience, kids usually just decide that one day they will eat. It might be something they really like, or their friends may encourage them, or something else entirely but it does usually happen.

“Hands are not for hitting” is a good one, there is a whole series. They are quite basic, but they’re good for opening up conversation. I’m sure there are lots of others but I find this series is useful as you can sort of adapt it to lots of age groups.

Thank you