Primary induction morning for 4 year old

[Panda368]

My 4 year old has his first primary induction morning on Wednesday next week.

I'm not quite sure how to prep him for it as he can sometimes be a total hero and unbothered by some situations but sometimes can be incredibly anxious in new situations.

There are no familiar children from his nursery class going to this school with him so Im a bit worried this could all go horribly wrong for him and he will spend all summer dreading starting school.

Any hints and tips would be really appreciated here. I've got no idea how to tackle it. Every time we mention school at the moment he tells us he wants to go to the other school that his nursery friends are going to.

Both mine started school at a different one from all their nursery friends. One I'm covid so no transition stuff and one last year. With both I just kept it pretty matter of fact. "We're going to look at/go to your new school today. That will be exciting" and cracking on. Don't think we mentioned it much over the holidays. It came up when we tried on uniform etc.

DC1 is much more timid and concerned about new things than DC2. I think cov8d and no transition was better for him.as he had no chance to get worried about it or build it up.

But at DC2's two visits there was one boy who stuck to his parents like glue and cried all the first week then was fine.

Same here, we have an induction soon and am concerned about it as I have an anxious child.

How long is yours?

@OnToTheNextOneOntoTheNextOne

I think it’s just 2 hours 9.30 to 11 or something like that.

Im still not sure how to approach it. I’ve mentioned it to him but feel like his reaction is totally unpredictable.

Same boat here !

Mine went for his for 30 mins the other day, it all went fine but he does go to the nursery attached.
They gave us a little book with pictures of the teacher and classroom etc which we looked at the days leading up to it.
Maybe see if the school has a website with some pictures he can look at if where he'll be going. You could read some books/watch a cartoon about starting school. You could model some social situations like sharing toys, taking turns, practice saying "hi my name is..do you want to play". I'm sure it'll all be fine, good luck

I would go for the "how exciting" approach (but don't over egg it) - talk about all the fun new things that will be there - toys and play equipment, children to play with, he'll be able to find out about his new classroom and meet his teacher etc. Positive, light-hearted etc.

I'd avoid saying things like "there's nothing to worry about" or "you'll be ok" as I think that makes them think there is something to worry about. Unless of course he says he is worried. Then I'd talk about what is worrying him - if it's that he won't know anyone I'd probably say everyone will be new and learning together etc

Have you talked to the school about your concerns?

My DH called up last week and asked for clarification of whether I could take DD to the classroom and stay 5 minutes to see that she is settled and the answer was no....am considering calling up again myself this week to talk some more about it.

I think if people do not have an anxious child, they assume this is helicopter parenting.

I think part of the issue for me is as OP says - there is the induction and then the huge gap until starting in September - so if the induction does not go well there is too much time for worrying over the summer.