Any tips on getting DS to settle into reception better?

[MagicMikesThong]

DS has just turned 4 and started reception last week. He is quite a shy and anxious child in new situations or when there are a lot of people around, but if he feels comfortable in a situation, then he can be quite outgoing and a little chatterbox!

On his first day at school I was worried that he would have a major meltdown, but he was fine and didn't cry - this was the case for the first three days, but then the tears started. Now he cries every morning when he goes in, even though I am taking him into the classroom. They are going to ask us to leave them at the gate soon (next week I think), and I am worried about this, as he really doesn't have the confidence to do this. He is still unsure of which door to go in and he says that he doesn't like that there's lots of people. He is one of those children who panics if he can't find something/is lost.

I'm just wondering if anyone has any tips on how to build his confidence? It breaks my heart that he is like this, and most of the other children are happily skipping in to class .

He's fine when comes out BTW, full of beans.

It is hard when they first start and often it's after three days they dissolve because, quite frankly, they are KNACKERED. It's really tiring.

Talk to his teacher, explain he's still wobbly and they will waive the 'leave at the gate' thing I'm sure.

Having playdates with other new kids can help too, they have someone to cling onto who is familiar then.

Also have something to look forward to at the end of the week for being such a big boy and going to school. My sympathies, mine skipped off without a backward glance but all my friends had similar issues.

He may well be better at the gate than going in. Ds was much better because he left me rather than me leaving him.

Agree with DeWe.

They are really tired in the early days and for the really little ones (DS is aug born) it can all be a bit much.

Speak to the teacher - they have seen it all before - they will take it seriously and give him little tips to help.

He sounds exactly like my now Y5 DS. Got lost on way to class, hated that there were always loads of parents to fight his way through. We went a little earlier so that he had time to take a breath and could work out where he had to go etc. He now wants to walk to/from school by himself! That's another story.

This does get better.

Thanks everyone

I have already tried to get him to go in on his own from the gate, as some children have been doing it, but he is completely adamant that he does not want to. I've bribed with stickers and he still says that he wants me to come with him.

I will see what they say - I said to the teacher this morning that he didn't want to go himself yet, and she said that was fine.

I think that's a good idea about getting there early so there aren't so many people to fight through!