School Morning Anxiety

D.

My son had it in first grade when he wasn't close friends with any of the boys in his class (his best friends were in another classroom) and didn't know any his classmates very well. Fortunately, he had a phenomenal teacher who picked up on it too and paired him with another boy who was very nice to him. It gave him more confidence. I started making "playdates" with the kids in his class and eventually the familiarity of his classmates made him look more forward to school, and made his feelings of insecurity fade away. It will pass, but I would try to give your son a (very) subtle social nudge by creating opportunities for more classmate interaction. Our district has a great soccer league that many Kindergartners play in. It is a really great way for the kids to interact/have fun and as an added bonus the parents get to know eachother better. Check and see if your district offers a league and definitely take advantage. So a sport, recreational class, playdates,etc. are all events you will be present at (so he feels secure) but will also give him the opportunity to meet/feel comfortable with new friends. School will eventually not feel so intimidating.

Good luck...I know how literally heartbreaking it is...but I promise it will pass. Good luck.

Separation anxiety is pretty normal. Try sending him to school with a picture of you or something small that he can carry in his pocket. We found a cool coin that we sent in those days.

Good luck! It's harder on you than it is on him. :)

S.
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Yes that is normal especially if he didn't go to preschool or any other type of school before this. He is use to being home with mom or dad and change is hard. Once they get there they ARE fine...... :) :) It will get better as time goes on. :) :) Hang in there :)

Did I have EVER have the experience. Yes. Myself. I cried because of separation anxiety. And it went away. I ended up 1.5 years in kindergarten, just because of when I started. And it flew by so fast, we all loved my kindergarten teacher, it was an unbelievable room (fireplace, gazillion chalkboards, a kitchen, places to hang our coats and cycle around inside if it was bad weather outside, tables, chairs, a piano, a bench the lenth of the room, a slide...couldn't ask for more). Don't worry. He'll start making friends. The school year's just started, so let it settle soon. And it's only half a day, so he'll find he's with you soon enough.

Hi D.,
I think with kids there is no "normal experience" :)
Every child handles situations differently, your little one
will be the child next year leading the class. But this year he needs a little confindence boost each day.
Keep a really rountine schedule until he adapts. Schedules make kid feel stable and secure and he needs this right now because his "normal schedule" has been changed....now he is going to school and he is just trying to adjust.
You are already being attentive to his needs and being supportive, that is awesome.
By the way he is happy at the end of the school day is a sign that all is well he just needs time to adjust to a new schedule.
You are a good mom for being concerned. I bet in no time he will be just fine.
Best Wishes
M.