Very anxious since starting nursery

[Kateeeeeee]

My son started nursery this month and not only does he cry at the door but he cries all morning there. Furthermore, he is also very teary at home or if left with our parents (who he adores and is very comfortable around). He has also been throwing things and hitting too. Also not eating or sleeping well. It's very out of character as he's a very happy and sociable little boy. He has also become very clingy too, especially with me. Do you think this is normal?

I think something is going on at the nursery that is seriously affecting him and he’s telling you the best way he can. My daughter went through an awful time in early primary school and all the while the teachers insisted everything was fine. It wasn’t til she was older she was able to describe to me the low level toxic environment she was in everyday. Please take him out of nursery

How old is he? Children go through various stages during their Early Years, could be that is coinciding with nursery starting. If he is not used to being left, starting nursery is a huge change, and children are quite often anxious for long periods that their grown up isn't coming back. They also don't understand why they have to go, they wonder what was wrong with how it was, why some days they go, others they don't.
Depending on age, I wouldn't give up, as this just kicks the can further down the road and is SO much harder when starting school. Good luck

He turned 2 on 24th February.

That is my worry too :(

This doesn’t sound normal no. What have nursery said?

Take him out
Poor baby!

No this is very out of character and isn't so happy go lucky anymore. Now everything triggers him.
I show him pictures of his nursery peers and he's crying no no no. Cries at soft play thinking it's nursery. It's so hard because he cannot fully communicate why's he anxious.

Yes my gut instinct is telling me to do this.

Also last night he kept pointing to the changing mat and lotions. Put it on the bed. Did the same this morning too.

Does he need to go? If not I’d take him out.

If he is the same with grandparents I would say severe separation anxiety. It isn’t the nursery or grandparents (who you say he adores) as he cries about either. I have known other children who cried and cried when their parents left them and hours later were fine and would go back to crying the next day. It doesn’t always mean the absolute worst. Some kids just don’t adjust well to being separated from their parents.

No I'm very fortunate that my in laws will look after him as long as they physically can. I sent him for social interaction and education.

I understand that but would it disturb his sleep and change his behaviour at home? It's like a baby going through a mental health crisis. So hard to watch

Take him out and start him when he's older. Maybe somewhere else.

That would be a red flag to me. Something could be happening around changing nappies. Like others I think you should take him out ASAP. Try to build up his confidence again with his GPs and wait till he is older and able to tell you his fears.

That doesn't sound right.

If he doesn't need to go, I'd take him out and try again when he is older.

You can socialize him by going to the playgroups / play dates.