Settling in to reception

[girtlush]

DD started reception on Mon and the whole week has been hideous.

She was fine on day 1, but has been clingy, not wanting to go and reluctant to let me leave since then (which I was expecting)

The thing that I wasn't prepared for was the compltete meltdowns after school. I had to drag her home today as she kept runing away, she is so angry she completely loses control, hitting me saying she's going to kill me, calling me names etc. I have had to put her in her room when we get home as it's the only way she can calm down. Eventually she comes out says sorry but remains stroppy for the rest of the day.

I have spoken to her teachers and they say her behaviour at school is fine, she is just quiet, which is unusual for her!

Is this normal when starting in reception? How long does it take for them to settle in? Is ther anything else I can do to make it easier for her?

I hate seeing her so distressed :(

I would guess the poor behaviour is down to her being tired, even if a child has been in full time nursery before the switch to school can really exhaust them.
My dd is now in Y1 and has been back at school now for just over 2 weeks, by this time in the week she is so tired and her behaviour suffers with it, but only at home! As time goes on she will settle into it more and be less tired, you could try having her go to bed a bit earlier (my dd was going to bed at about 6pm her first half term of school) and keep the evenings and weekends very low key with not too much happening so she can rest, it will get better!

My DS started last Wed so has done 1.5 weeks. He's been reluctant to go in and stroppy with us in the mornings. I've done my own thread on him not settling in! We're trying incentives (eg if he goes in nicely in the morning we'll go to the park after school) etc. He was being a complete handful at school, having meltdowns, refusing to do things, not eating at lunchtime etc but in the past couple of days his behaviour at school has been calming down a bit. I hope it's just a case of getting used to the new routine. My DS1 normally loves learning so for him not to want to be at school seems strange. I think it is tiring and a big change for them. You have my sympathy. I really need the weekend now (but unfortunately I'm working Saturday and Sunday so not much of a break for me!)

Thanks for posts at least I know I'm not alone, just having a bad day :(

Twolittlemonkeys, feel v sorry for you having to work the weekend. You must be worn out.

Poor you and poor dd! I had all this with my son last year and it lasted until a week after half term. It was exhausting, the crying every day, refusing to get dressed, he also became anxious about everything and it was horrible for him and all of us. He was angry and sad, he just didn't like it. School is a massive change, assemblies, lunch time In big hall, lots of other children, noisy, don't know anyone. It's hard for them. Bare with her, it does get better as they get used to it and she will. My ds loved reception in the end. I foundthe promise of toy/sweets/park didn't work as he just couldn't control his emotions for a trip to the park. It just takes time, it's tough though.

Take it from an exhausted Reception teacher, starting school is HARD work. I always think if the teacher is in bed for 8 for the first week just how tired must the kids be?!

Its is very normal for kids to be little angels at school and demons at home. They put all of their effort into being 'good' at school that they feel able to let go at home.

I would advise very early nights and low energy weekends for a few weeks. And i don't want to worry you but i often find week 2 or 3 is when tears come again when children realise that although they have enjoyed school it is for keeps and that thought just tires them out.

Hope everything works out for them all