Nervous about starting preschool

[lomond27]

Hi,

My DS (3) is due to start preschool after the Easter holidays. We attempted to take him for a look around the school a couple of weeks ago however he just sobbed and refused to go in.

I can’t stop worrying about how we are going to get him through the door next month and if he will settle.

He is very nervous about new situations.

The preschool are being very good and have said we can have as many stay and play sessions we need. The problem I feel is getting him through the door 😳

has anyone experienced this?

thank you

If you're stressed, he will pick it up. You need to think of it as fun for him, beneficial for him - and that he's plenty old enough. Many start preschool at 2 and have a great time. It surprises me he doesn't want to go in. Have you never been to playgroups together? Has he been to nursery before? Why was he so anxious about going in if he's not experienced it before, or was he picking up your anxiety? Children can be very sensitive to your emotions so do watch how you're feeling and deal with those emotions.

Personally I would just stay the once for a while for him to get used to the environment (maybe 30 mins) then leave for 30 mins and come back to get him so it's not too long (he will probably cry, especially if you're stressed too). But don't let staying with him become a habit. He will learn more quickly when it's quick and firm. It's much less agonising for them to know that you're dropping them at the door than to spend the whole time you're in there with them wondering if you'll quietly leave as soon as their back is turned and they dare to get engaged with playing. I think it actually ramps up the anxiety for them. They may be a bit calmer going in with you but the crying will start when you go so it may as well be sooner rather than later.

Rest assured he will get used to it and be having an amazing time in a couple of weeks.