How Do I Get My Kid to like Going to School?

I honestly think some kids are just never really going to "like" school. My oldest thrives in that environment, but my younger son, whose much more of a free spirit also regularly says he "hates school". Personally, I didn't like it either - I just viewed it as a means to an end to get a good job. However, as an adult I am considering going back for my masters. I think folks that are more self-directed likely are the ones that just don't like school because you spend most of your day with people telling you what to do when. For some of us, the average school environment is very, very oppressive.

So, I don't have any really good suggestions, except to share your own views and experiences with school with your child and respect that they may never be entirely thrilled with the experience. Sometimes, they just need a sympathetic ear. Also, asking him if he wants to go to school may not be the best approach. Basically, you just need to tell him it's time to go to school and also it does help my son to talk about his next day ahead of time, so he can mentally prepare. That may be another issue for your son - being in a situation on a daily basis where he has little control over his activities. I've also told my son that if he ever makes a million dollars (i.e., wins the lottery, writes a bestseller, etc.) then he can then make his own decision about whether or not he goes to school. But, until he can financially support himself or is 18 and no longer living at home, then he has no choice but to go to school.

Hi there -

I have a 4 year old too. They are very opinionated and like to make their own choices. I would try maybe asking him if he wants "to go to school now" or would he like "to go to school in 10 minutes". I know if I ask my son if he wants to help me clean his room he will say "no I don't". A perfectly acceptable answer since I asked him if I wanted to? Now I ask him if we wants to clean his room now or after dinner. He will usually say after dinner.

Keep up posted.

Good Luck.

One thing I noticed about my son is that he did better when I left him if he was the first one there in the class and the teacher could acknowledge him. If the class was full and he walked in, he didn't like the other kids staring at him getting dropped off. Just a suggestion to try to be there early.

I would talk to his teacher. Perhaps together, you two can come up with a way to help him feel more involved and appreciated in his class, so that he may look forward to going.

Maybe giving him a special chore like feeding the fish or being the one who hands out the crayons or something. Or maybe if his class does the star student (spotlighting a new student every week), he/she could bump him up to the top of the list. Anyways, teachers are creative and if he/she is aware of his dislike, he/she can be more aware of his needs and help him through it too.

Also, ask him more probing questions about what activities he likes to do at school, has he made any friends there, what's his favorite part of the day... maybe invite a classmate over to play after school too can help.

I highly recommend getting the book The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn.
It describes a very special way of helping a child feeling better about going to school and it's a book the both of you will really enjoy.
We ordered itr last year from the Scholastic book orders at school but I'm sure you can find it on Ebay for a great price.
Take Care and Good Luck!