8 year old and morning anxiety

6 replies

miniwolf · 27/09/2021 11:12

Mornings have gotten really tough with my son who seems to have separation anxiety. He enjoys school but every morning says he doesn't want to go and wants to stay with me and get upset, saying things like "don't leave me". Any tips on how I can make this easier for him (and me)

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TeenMinusTests · 27/09/2021 15:01

Have you tried:

transition object
getting there earlier
getting there later (just as bell goes)
promising something fun after school

Are you sure school is going OK - no bullying / being left out / not managing the work?

Original poster

miniwolf · 29/09/2021 21:05

Thanks @TeenMinusTests we've tried those apart from transition object, which I had been thinking of but just not sure what it should be?! I really do think school is going on but last year wasn't great so that may well be adding to the anxiety.

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Original poster

miniwolf · 29/09/2021 21:06

*going ok

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TeenMinusTests · 30/09/2021 07:43

Transition object:

for DD we always used a small cuddly toy that she could hold or have in her pocket or bag. Then if she was feeling wobbly she could go and stroke it (without having to get it out).
other recommendation is something of yours like a scarf, sprayed with your perfume so DS can smell it and be reminded of home

Original poster

miniwolf · 30/09/2021 07:48

That's a good idea, will try it. Thank you

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TeenMinusTests · 30/09/2021 08:54

Just to say you aren't alone.
We had this with DD on and off throughout primary and occasionally at secondary.
And also now at college (because she was with me almost 24hrs a day since the start of the pandemic so being away for 7 hours at a stretch now is proving very hard for her).

Flip