So worried for my DD

[friendlymum67]

She is at her senior school for a transition week, starting today. She was in tears last night and this morning. She is very shy, not very confident and very, very anxious - I don't know how she's going to survive this week, let alone senior school!

I think there are two issues. One is about your relationship with your daughter. The other is about your working relationship with the school.

I think a certain amount depends on whether they employ you on an occasional sessional basis or whether you are a part-time employee. If it's the latter they can't tell you that won't be required for the foreseeable future. If it's the former they probably can. I would ask ACAS for advice.

While it's obviously a difficult transition for your daughter, I can imagine a situation where a parent's nervousness on her child's behalf hinders as much as it helps. I try to be fairly practical - how do we solve this, how can we make it better, more manageable - when my own daughter is struggling with some aspect of growing up. You do sound very much as if you wear your heart on your sleeve.

I had this problem with Dd when she started secondary. She had 2 induction days and came out of both of them in tears.
I spoke to the school who suggested she came for a week of activities during the summer which was mainly for DC who may have difficulty settling. This did help alleviate her fears but the first day of term she came home and cried again. I persevered until just before Xmas but I eventually moved her to a different school.
I would say you should follow your instincts on this. Taking aside the problems you are having with them, your Dd needs to feel safe and happy at school.