DS flatly refused preschool today - at home now, what to do?

[carocaro]

Limpet style sobbing, sat with him for 30 mins, tried to leave but when nuts, too distressing. He has never had an issue, he's 4.5 and was happy as normal till we got out the car. Has older brother at school. Only thing different Daddy gone away for a week with work, but he was all happy waving him at the airport. Is it a reaction to that? Shall I try him again later? He's due to go again Thursday and I don't want him to be the same. He says it's boring.

What to do?

Ask him why he suddenly doesn't want to go. If he can't give you a reasonable reason, next time, walk in, plop him down, walk out. He's playing you like a fiddle. Ask the staff to call you if he doesn't settle.

What did the staff do? Did they try to lead him away or distract him?

Not really a fiddle, he's a tall strong lad and me or his pre school person could not hold/him peel him off, he went beserk. I used to do that with DS1 (now 9) who did fuss but was fine 5mins after I left. This morning was totally different kettle of fish.

Yes, the staff did all that, fave book toys, asked him to be chief carrot chopper for vege snack, got fave mates to come over an talk with him, one little girl even gave him a huge hug

Agree with Annie. This is the last term before school when he can't stay home because he thinks it's 'boring'. My DS makes much more fuss if I hang around so I drop, kiss and walk

ds2 is a bit younger, only 3, but I have the same issue with him at the moment. He's been at preschool since sept and has always loved it, but last couple of weeks he hassaid every day it's boring and he doesn't want to go. Couple of times the staff have had to call me to collect him as he cried and cried which is most unlike him. Honestly don't know what the problem is - it's a lovely place, he has nice friends there, and he always seems cheerful when I pick him up.

Think most kids are getting quite tired at the moment. Is nearly the summer holiday. Think I'd let your ds have a week at home if you can face it. Play it all pretty much low-key / quiet. Who knows after a couple of days he might be desperate to go back! Could be coming down with something too. Seem to be a lot of bugs around at the moment.

He maybe just wants a day with you.

My XH works abroad, and every now and then DS gets a bit reluctant to go to nursery- maybe just wants a bit of contol over things, reassuring that I'm not going anywhere.... Who knows!
I've kept him off for the day, and he's right as rain next time.

I know it's not ideal, and not good when they have school coming up (or if you needed to get away to work) but I'd just write this day off as a 'reassurance day' for your DS

Hope thursday goes better.

If it's a one off, maybe he is coming down with something or had a bad sleep? Maybe he has been unsettled by your OH being away.

I would just give lots of hugs today, but carry on as normal on Thursday.