DS not enjoying taster days. Super stressed.

[sixp]

My 2 dc are due to start a new school in September and New Children's Day is today (ds 8.30 to 5.30, dd 1 to 3). When I dropped my son off this morning he was very excited. Then, when I took dd in later we narrowly avoided bumping into him. Just collected dd and we couldn't avoid seeing him on the way out. Since he had spotted me I said hi and told him I would collect him in a couple of hours and he said that he wanted to go home then. I just ruffled his hair and gave him a few reassuring words and let him be. This is the second time that he's visited the school. He went in about a month ago and met his class. On that occasion when he came home he wasn't sure he wanted to change school and he said he'd spent some of the playtime alone. I spoke to the school and they suggested that he write to his class, which he did and he was thrilled to receive 2 letters back.
He doesn't make friends very easily as he's not in to football or things that young boys tend to have in common. But I do want him to have a couple of pals. He is a lovely little boy and the school is fantastic. I just know when I collect him he's going to be a bit worried and unhappy 😥.
Sorry for the ramble. Any advice?

I think you are worrying too much. It's never nice to see your children unhappy, I completely understand, but some children just take longer to settle into new situations. My ds didn't even open his eyes on his first day at school! He loved it after a week.

I think the school could have done more on his first visit though - he shouldn't have had to spend playtime alone, they could have assigned a couple of people to be his buddies for the day.

If he's worried and unhappy when you collect him you could talk about other new situations he's had to get used to that were maybe difficult at first but turned out okay. Maybe you could try to arrange to get together with one or two of the others over the summer so that he has some friendly faces when he starts in september?

Thanks. The school did assign him a buddy on his first visit, but I'm not sure what happened at playtime. And they have been very helpful, offering suggestions like writing the letter and offering to have him visit again etc. I see both my dc as quite confident children and this is literally the first time I have seen them both quite nervous. Will try to remain chilled!

I'm not saying your little chap is exaggerating but lets be honest, even if he was on his own for 30 seconds this can feel like much longer when you're in a new environment & frightened.

My son wouldn't leave the TA's lap on his taster day. Within 2 days he was friends with just about everyone not only in his class but with most of KS1! Give him time & talk with his new school if there's still concerns.

I can say with some relief that he had a great day! When I collected him he came back raving about the science and cricket and what not. Feel so much happier now. Thanks everyone.