DD (4) bright but being very difficult at preschool

[charliesweb]

I have a bright and slightly quirky DD. She is a charismatic child who has always been popular with other children and also with adults. She is able to play confidently with children 1 or 2 years older than her.
Last year she attended preschool 3 sessions a week and this year she attends 5 sessions. The problem is that some days she gets it into to her head to be as stubborn and obstreperous as possible and the staff at the preschool are starting to complain that she is refusing to cooperate. When she is in one of these moods she cannot be bribed or threatened with a punishment. Up until now the staff had found ways to work around her behaviour (for example, by asking her to do special jobs for them etc). But she really seems to be digging her heels in lately. My gut instinct is that she is bored, but I don't know what to do about that. Because the only alternative I can see is to drop some of the sessions and I think she needs structure and stimulation. I also worry that she is going to be in alot of trouble when she starts school in September if this becomes set behaviour for her.

Anyone?

Last try before I go to watch Greys Anatomy

sorry you've gone unanswered. the only thing that sprung to mind was is she tired? dunno, if you've just increased her attendance that could be having an effect.

sorry for not being more help. hope you work it out.

you could be right about boredem - my ds was like this....he could tell the time at 3 etc but soically he was immature when it came to understanding others feelings and the effect his behaviour could have on others etc.

All i can suggest is to ride it out as i found reception seemed to challenge him more and he settled down

Sounds uncannily like my DD. Can they just ignore her when she doesn't co-operate....what is so essential? I am sure there are things that are....I just don't know what!

I do think they are a bit confrontational with her and this can feed her obstinate behaviour. The first week she started preschool I was called in because she had refused to hold onto the rope when they went outside. Which I thought was a bit excessive as it was her second session ever.
Obviously I want her to happy but she also needs a level of conformity to function in school where there will be even less opportunity to cater to her behaviour.
She is such a funny, witty child and genuinlly interersting to talk to. Her imagination is fantastic. She learns very quickly. I hope Reception can give her the challenge she needs and above all I want her to be enthusiastic about learning and enjoy it. I am worried that her negative behaviour will become the over riding issue.

My dd was like this. She was soooooo ready for school and was bored at nursery. To be honest I think your dd's preschool should be able to handle her - I mean she can;t be the first difficult child they've had surely?

I would try not to worry too much. My dd still had lots of attutide in reception but settled down massively by year 1 - I suppose it was a combination of being appropriately stimulated and maturing and learning to control her behaviour.

All 3 of mine have been like this during the last 2 terms before school.

I gave them a rollicking which helped. Had a chat with the leader re dd4(said she might be bored etc) who has been stretching her a bit.Dd is now sooooo different, has really settled down and is behaving well.

Im not into pushing 4 year olds needlessly but it might be worth you having a word, pre-schools are supposed to work with parents,mine didn't know she knew all her sounds etc. They like to get info from parents.