Do most children love school?

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It might seem a very philosophical question, but there is a context, I promise!

We are currently abroad visiting family and friends, in our country of origin (Southern Europe). My 5yo son - who's going to be in Y1 in September - is having a great time but he's also regularly asking to go back to school. He had a fantastic time in Reception, walking in enthusiastically every single day, making great progress and building relationships. During the break his days are filled with fun and relax: days out at theme parks, outdoor swimming pools, parties with friends, playdates, beach breaks, very spoiled by extended family, few to no restrictions in terms of bed/screen time....Really no reason to wanting to end it, but a genuine desire to go back to his school friends, learning and routine I guess.

I commented with my in-laws that I had similar comments from other school friends and family friends of similar age, basically lukewarm reaction to start the holidays (all from neurotypical children in average families, not situations in which life at home is difficult or other issues).

I was telling this being positively surprised and proud, but my in-laws think I am lying and there is no way children WANT to go to school.

Tell me I am right and your children also love school:).

I'm a supply teacher in primary schools and whilst I wouldn't say that most children love school, I would say that most don't mind it. They wouldn't go if they didn't have to, but find something they enjoy whilst there and occasionally look forward to some school events and lessons.

Mine both hate school age 9 and 6.

My 7 year old loves school and looks forward to going back. I think we have been lucky so far that he seems quite popular and he seems to have a positive experience with his classmates. He also genuinely loves learning things which helps. I'm expecting the enthusiasm might tail off as we approach the teen years though, but I hope not, it's lovely to see him skipping in smiling each day!

My dd is older now, but yes, she always loved school.

Reception class is fun, my DC enjoyed that year of school. The hate started in Year 1 when the expectation to sit down at a desk all day started, to the point one of my dc was in tears every morning not wanting to go.
They are now home educated.
Most of my kids school friends who come here to play are very down about school and are very envious mine don’t go. At best they are nonplussed by it and are just getting by til the weekend/the holidays.

My son is the same age, whilst he hasn't said he doesn't want to go back yet (we are only week 3) I fully expect that he will be upset to go back when the time comes. He's already made comments during the reception year about Y1, as he has witnessed that Y1 do more work than reception ( he's in a mixed class)

I've heard that Y1 can be tricky for a lot of children. Hopefully your son will continue to love school though, I know as a child myself I loved school and was always excited to go back.

Mine's 8 and she has always loved school, she's enjoying her holiday but is also looking forward to going back, loves her friends, teachers and really loves to learn.

Mine hates school with a passion!
But it's because they are inconsistent with her sen support

All three of mine really liked infant school. They gradually liked it less and less through junior and then secondary.

First few years, two of my three loved it. Basically it was a convenient place to see all of their friends at once.
DD was bored in summer holidays unless there was a constant stream of playmates.

Mine both generally like school, with off days obviously. They are lucky to have nice friends and in good schools that do lots of different activities with them though.
I didn't like school until I was in 6th form but I think school was different in the 80s/90s and teachers were meaner!

Mine both love it. Older one loves learning, especially maths, younger one thinks there are more/better toys at school (and is popular). Both also loved nursery and childminder... Younger one surprised me by constantly nagging to start the maths app his sister started in lockdown and is super keen...

With good teachers and an "easy" class school is designed to be fun. We're just a week away from going back (Scotland), both have enjoyed their summer activities but are keen to see friends at school too!

No, our DS hated school, but he tolerated it and did the work. He'd have far rather just done remote learning or self teaching. He has no "friends" from his school days. He got on OK with his peers at school, but never really bothered with them out of school.

Both OH and myself could say the same. I hated school due to severe bullying. OH had to move schools several times as his father was in the armed forces, so he never settled down and wasn't anywhere long enough to make friends.

All three of us have done substantial "adult" learning since leaving school (professional qualifications etc) and found it far more enjoyable.

I loved school as a child, both primary and secondary, and would have actively chosen to go given a choice.
I wouldn't say either of my sons love it, no. DS1 who is 16 has reluctantly admitted recently that he does like his current school (a grammar) but he didn't like primary school very much - he didn't hate it but he found it boring. DS2 wouldn't say he loved school, again he doesn't hate it but given the choice he'd rather not go.

My children love their school

Mine have both loved primary school, secondary not so much.

Is he an only child? If so, maybe he likes being with other children? Lots of children love school, nothing unusual especially in the early years. It could be that the school is fantastic, he likes the staff and other children as well as the structure.

My kids think it's okay but I think it's more about seeing friends every day etc.

I hated it.

My 9 year old loves everything about school. The learning, friends, playtime, clubs, teachers etc. My 7 year old doesn't dislike school but given the choice he'd probably prefer to stay at home.

Part of my job is to greet children as they come on to the school site. I am amazed every day at how happy and excited most children are to come to school. I am astounded 7yos like to spend hours a day working at a desk, but they genuinely seem to enjoy it.

Reception is still EYFS. I think few children really love school past Christmas of year 1.

My five year old loves it. Interestingly, she is an only child and was in a very small setting before school. I think she loves the social side.

I have one primary one secondary. Both admit they love school (although pretend to hate it often!). I think they enjoy the structure and the friends. And also the lessons sometimes 🙃

So interesting, thanks for sharing your perspectives.

Yes, mine is an only child and very sociable. Going to school means socializing in a way he doesn't at home (we do have lots of friends and organize play dates, but not every day/all day).
He also loved nursery and tends to love every new activities and learning experiences.

I am also aware this might change rapidly from year 1 or from end of primary, but I am just enjoying the moment! At home we always speak positively about school and bring in our own experiences, which were also positive. I loved school from nursery to university. My husband found secondary school hard but then loved university.

DD is 7 and loves school. She goes to a small nurturing prep with small classes and several teaching assistants, specialist teachers with creative lessons and lots of hands-on activities and trips out.