7 year old anxious about school and upset all the time

[Kurololi]

Hello. I'm hoping someone can help or offer some advice.

Over the last week my 7 year old DS has been complaining of "feeling poorly" and "being too poorly to go to school" every night at bedtime and in the morning before school. He appears absolutely fine at other times. I would say it's anxiety.

He told me he's not getting bullied but feels his teacher doesn't like him and given some very minor examples of being told off or his teacher having a brief cross word with him. I haven't contacted the school yet as I'm not really sure what they can do, it seems he's just being over sensitive (he is a quiet and sensitive little soul).

What should I do? I've tried validating his feelings, telling him sometimes school can be difficult but it's very important, telling him how brave he is when he goes in despite numerous protests. I've asked him if he wants me to talk to his teacher which he strongly doesn't want and says "it will make things worse". I have a night planned for just us two this week so he can have some one on one time (he has a 14 month old brother who demands lots of time and attention as you can imagine).

Any advice appreciated

I would probably get in touch with the teacher about it and ask for more info. If they have told him off, just ask them to tone it down a little because he's sensitive and not wanting to come to school because of it. Imo teachers shouldn't be acting in a way that makes kids not want to go to school. He's only 7 - talking to the teacher will only make it worse if the teacher tells him you spoke to him, which I'm guessing they wouldn't do if you told them not to.

Definitely contact the teacher. They need to know how he’s feeling otherwise they can’t change the way they speak to him, they may not be aware of how he’s taking what’s being said. Just been through exactly this with my own son aged 9…!

Thanks guys. Emailed school today and headteacher has had a chat with DS and his teacher and ironed out some of his worries about the teacher "picking on him". She's also said she's happy to set up some one on one time with music teacher he likes for some guitar lessons so that's nice.
Taking him out just him and me tonight for some time without baby brother. Hopefully this settles things.

Awwww I feel your pain. My DS is struggling at school and it’s emotionally taking it still on all of us. I was trying to be all things to him to help sort it out, but he just seems so vulnerable. I ended up calling the school and saying that whilst I will support anything they are doing. I need to just be his mum just now. Just give your DS cuddles and support, make home a safe place and maybe he’ll start opening up a bit.