DS has just moved into yr 2 and is unhappy

[coldfingersandtoes]

DS is a sensitive little boy and has just moved into year 2, I know it has only been a week so it's still very early days but he is really unhappy and cried all morning saying he didn't want to go this morning, he has never done this before. He says it's all too difficult and has started to say things like 'i'm no good at it'... I'm sure once he has settled in he will be ok but this setting in bit is awful. Any advice on how to help him out?

Gotta chat to teacher. If he can't help, maybe teacher can figure it out.

Another one who thinks a chat to the teacher is the way forward. They will be able to give you more information about the work being covered, and tips on how you can support this at home. I would also try to arrange some play dates to help boost friendships. And finally, I know it's easy to say, but do try not to worry to much- it's still early days.

My DS (now strapping confident Y5) was very quiet, under confident and shy... And in y2 he got a fabulous, but famously strict and almost-shouty teacher. Note here: poor DS in infamously naughty class (HT has even said this).

DS started being very teary and saying he didn't want to go to school.

I went to speak to the teacher in week 3 and said DS suddenly very tearful and reluctant to go to school (did not mention shouting). Teacher explained they were a challenging class and she was setting them up for all work in Year 2 (dreaded SATS). She took DS to one side and said how she noticed how hard he tried and when she told 'class' off she did not mean him -- and that helped a bit.

And we did lots of talking at home about how difficult it was for mummy sometimes (was CM at the time) with 5 small children, imagine teachers with 30! And so hard for teachers, sometimes they just have to tell everyone for being noisy... And you just have to know in your own heart that you were being quiet and getting on with work.

Does that help? It's hard with a sensitive one I think. And the first week or so back is always tough after a whole 6 weeks back. Anecdotally, I think the transition to Year 2 is hard at our school as there is a lot of outside and creative play in Year 1 as well as reception... And then in year 2, suddenly a lot more sitting at the table. That can be a bit of an adjustment too.

Hope your DS feels better soon (and you too).