Development

[JJ200]

My son is 5 years old and has just started year 1 at school. He’s always struggled with new environments and activities. At school drop off he doesn’t go off playing with his friends while we wait for school to open and won’t say hello when other kids greet him. He’s been doing swimming lessons for about 14 months now. Every week it’s a struggle to get him in the pool and I know he can swim a lot better than what he shows his teacher during his lessons. Younger kids are starting to overtake him. Should I be worried or is this normal behaviour?

You are obviously worries. It may be good to talk to school and get their point of view. If you are still worried amd if school is worried too, then it may be an idea to speak to your GP. They will be the best placed to think about what next.
It is easy to focus on what the child cannot do. Try to speak to your DS about the things that he does well.

Ageee with PP.
Also take a moment to reflect on how you act/project yourself in these situations with him - do you act worried/nervous? Totally understandable if you feel that way, but if kids see you’re feeling that way - they will mirror your emotions and anxieties. Re. Swimming, is it worth taking a term off to reset and take pressure off?