How much time to settle in, at prep?

[justasmalltownmum]

Hi all

First child and first prep.
DS is 7 now and passed 7plus. Moved from state to prep.

I would say he's a book worm, likes artsy, creative subjects and is sensitive and shy.

No problems at all with the subjects/ lessons/ learning/ clubs etc. He loves that aspect of the school. The teacher has said he is fully immersed in learning and works well with others in lessons.

I just don't think he has made any friends. Especially a close group or best friend. He spends a lot of break and lunch times alone/ in the library/ or doing what other kids want to do as no one wants to do what he likes. I also think he lacks confidence/ doesn't stick up for himself enough.

How can I help him?
How long do I give him to settle in?

Thanks

He used to come home happy and full of stories.

Bump

Hi OP. Have you asked the teacher specifically about the social side? I have 2 boys at prep who are 7 and 8 and I'd say they don't have best friends in the same way that I did - they have small groups of close friends and these change quite a lot but without any drama. They also play with other year groups a lot as it's a small school.
Is it a mixed school? How many boys in his class? Are there any children he has mentioned? If so could you arrange a play date? But I'd chat to his form teacher first if I were you.

Have you asked him what the others do at break time? You sometimes find a year group where all of the boys love football or just running around which means the non-sporty ones can struggle a bit. If that is the case, I think you need to be asking the teacher what they're doing to encourage other activities or at least bring the non-sporty boys together to do something else. At DS' school, they have some giant games and various other activities available.

It took my son a term to settle and find a like minded soul.