Anxiety about starting school

[Gymbabes]

DS is due to start school in August and I just know he's going to have a hard time at the drop offs - he still cries everytime I leave him at nursery!

I'm planning to do as much as I can to get him used to the idea but I wondered if anyone had any ideas about something I can give him to put in his bag or pocket that he can use / look at, whatever if he needs it. At nursery he takes a giant teddy which we've cuddled so he can get the cuddles from teddy if he needs them. Apparently he doesn't need the teddy when he's there but likes to have it on the shelf where he can see it - not sure the school would appreciate something so large though! Thanks in advance x

A photo of you might help, or a tiny version of the teddy?

I wouldn’t. If it gets lost or broken he will be distraught. Have you spoken to the school? They may have a plan for anxious children. Have nursery said anything helpful?

A keyring with a teddy on could be attached to his bag as an alternative. You can also unpick pockets and sew in a piece of ribbon or soft cloth that they can rub between their fingers when they are feeling upset. It can help to lessen worry.

That said, ask for a meeting with the Reception teacher. Ask them if they have suggestions. Some may not permit key rings, they may not want cuddly toys but others may be happy to.

If he promised to keep it in his bag, you could give him a small scarf as a transitional object. So where it on the journey and when you get there, pretend it’s too hot. Ask him to look after it for you until you pick him up. It helps to cement the idea that you are definitely coming back.

wear

It’s been a long day...

Ah bless him. YY to a keyring with a teddy on his bookbag. Also here all the children have a tray. Something like a beanie boo or yoo-hoo fits in fine. My son has an enormous collection and used to keep one of his less favourite ones in his tray. He was older than P1 though - I agree it would be more inclined to go walkabout with littlies.

Alternatively you can stitch a ribbon or fancy button inside a pocket or sleeve.

He might surprise you. When DD started school, some of the shy ones were fine whereas one of two confident children with siblings wobbled. Try not to worry about it now - see how he is and sort something out if you need to.

He might surprise you. When DD started school, some of the shy ones were fine whereas one of two confident children with siblings wobbled. Try not to worry about it now - see how he is and sort something out if you need to.

Put a spot of your favourite perfume onto his jumper sleeve and tell him that if he misses you he just needs to give it a sniff -easy to do, can't get lost-needs topping up every day

I've seen someone suggest drawing a heart on your hand palm and on his, push them together to 'charge' them. then if he's missing you he presses his heart and you're 'connected'

Ah thanks everyone - some great ideas! I'll speak to the school and see what their limits are! And hadn't thought about him getting upset if it went missing so will definitely need to factor that in!

I'm desperate for him to surprise me - it's been a long 4 years with terrible drop offs haha! Xx