My Kindergartener Is Grumpy!

Oh, this is actually quite normal I think. They are so tired!! It is a very long day for a 5 year old! The first days their little brains are trying so hard to process all of this information, so they truly are not only physically exhausted, but mentally fatigued as well. He probably just cant bear to even think about explaining his day right now, but it will get better. Just be there to offer a soft place to fall. Dont try to force conversation, or get to mad if he behaves a little poorly. Let him veg out some, and get his mind and body used to this new schedule. Hope it gets better as each day passes! ~A.~

Have you tried asking him what the problem is? (Kids teasing him, teacher ignoring him, feeling uneasy with the new situation) If so, try to help him cope and understand. Help provide extra attention and fun during this transition and counsel him on some steps he can take to make it better.

Keep the thought in the back of your mind that it could be a medical or brain chemistry issue. Ask the doctor if he should be checked for thyroid or other issues that could cause that. Keep in mind that it could also be a chemical depression -- even in a child this young.

My daughter showed first signs of that around that age. We later found that she had A.D.D. and it commonly comes with chemical depression that comes and goes. One day she's sunny and fine. Another day she had a black cloud hovering over that made everything, including Disneyland, look and feel bleak. That misery (for her and I) continued off and on until we got a good diagnosis by a psychiatrist / psychologist combo in 3rd grade when her reading comprehension issues first became apparent. (It was then helped immensely by A.D.D. meds and occasional use as needed of an anti-depressant.) Good luck!

My 5 year old son also started Kindergarten this week and he's exhausted when he comes home. He doesn't want to talk about his day until around dinner time. I think some kids need to decompress a little bit after such a huge change. For a 5 year old attending school 7 hours a day, 5 days a week can be overwhelming at first. Maybe send him to bed 15-30 minutes early and see if that helps? We tried that with our son Monday night and last night, and it is helping. I bet in a week or two, your son will adjust! :-)

Keep in mined that this is a new schedule for him. He is most likely overwhelmed with all the new information, things to explore and new friends at school.

Make sure he gets a good snack when he gets home and gets some outdoor play. Let him chill out.

The first couple of weeks are a big adjustment for all school children (and parents). Once the routine and order of things are settled in, he'll be fine.

Hi E.!

After you give your little one some time to relax and get a snack - make sure he goes outside to play! Take him to the park, or play outside with friends! Swings, merry-go-rounds, running, jumping - the works! It is very important for kids to move and play for their little brains to process information and develop fully!

Good Luck this year!

S. M
The Cerebellum Center
www.cerebellumcenter.com

He is very tired!! Trust me on this one. My son was that way at the beginning of kinder last year and again this year in first. They will get used to the schedule soon. Make sure he is going to bed early. He will adjust in a month or two.

My oldest was in kinder last year and it took a few weeks for her to adjust to the new schedule. It's hard work and made her very tired and overly sensitive. We moved our bedtime earlier and everything eventually evened out. Best of luck.

Is he getting enough sleep? Maybe he is just tired.