What's it like to leave a hysterical child at the school door every day, then? :(

[mszebra]

7 months before DD starts school but I really don't think things are going to get much better...
DD is 4y+4m old.
I had to carry her into preschool the other day; she was almost hysterically screaming & kicking and only didn't because I promised to stay with her.
Mostly after a few minutes she does let me leave peacefully (otherwise I stay most the session).
But it's only 4x2.5 hour sessions/week.
HOW IN THE WORLD is she going to adjust to 5x6 hour days/week at school in the autumn?
Her preschool wants her to take herself into 2 of her sessions/week starting this Friday and it's a complete joke, she may NEVER do it.
She lacks social confidence; I am working hard to help her make friends & teach her to stand up for herself, but am making slow progress.
I am not cut out for home-educating, but both DH & I are really worried that DD will never cope with "big school"....

The bravery stickers sounds is such a cool idea, but don't think it would work with DD; I tried to bribe DD with chocolates to get her to go to playgroup, but no way, didn't work.

That's a great offer, tamum... only could you knit a tiny pinafore for a tiny plastic sheep? That's DD's sort of favourite toy, I'm afraid. Something she would then sneak into the pocket of her school pinafore, then lose on the playground (cue emergency services to stop her from having a heart attack).

Maybe a pinafore for one of her cuddly soft toys... well, I'll keep it in mind, anyway!

I am clinging to the idea that kids excel at surprising you.