My son cries at school.?

Question

My son is 5 years old and he started kindergarten in August. He was doing very good but he started crying saying that he doesn't want to go because he doesn't want to go to first grade and that he misses us. I have told him that it is a while before he goes to first grade but he doesn't understand. Can anyone give me any suggestions to help him out? I already tried treats and prizes.

Answer 1

Ask to speak to the school's adjustment counselor. Chances are your son behaves well at school, but these professionals can be a great resource for all parents. Additionally, this is a typical problem at his age, and is likely to resolve on its own.

Answer 2

Try reading the book "The Kissing Hand" then before he goes to school every day kiss him on his palm of his hand and tell him whenever he misses you to put his hand up to his cheek. You could also have a little chart and for each day of the week after school you could reward him when he got home so he has something to look forward to when he comes home, tell him if he doesn't go to school then he can't have his suprise when he gets home.

Answer 3

get together with some other parents, so the kids can play.  if he makes friends, close ones, he'll be happier about going to school

tardis - my son loved 'The Kissing Hand'!!

Answer 4

Try getting the book "The Kissing Hand" for him. It's a great story for kids with separation anxieties.

Answer 5

I cry every day at school, and I'm a teacher!

Nah, I'm just kidding.

I would suggest going to the library and getting a book or two on seperation anxiety.  There are probably more books than just "Kissing Your Hand," or whatever everyone else suggested.

Like...

Helping your child overcome separation anxiety or school refusal : a step-by-step guide for parents.

By Andrew R. Eisen

Answer 6

you need to find out WHY he's crying. There is something more going on than him just 'missing you' .

Talk to his teacher, or to the school psychologist, they can both help you figure it out.

If he was 'doing well' & suddenly things changed something has happened to cause the change. Maybe one of the other kids told him a scary story about 1st grade?  who knows? But he has the answer, you just haven't heard it yet.

Answer 7

It sounds like he doesn't like his class.  If he did, he wouldn't be sad about going to school.  I'd try inviting some of his classmates over for a little get together so he can make friends with them better.  He sounds like the sweetest kid ever!

Answer 8

try the movies or walks in the park maby he just misses his mommy ??

Answer 9

Something may have happened that has made your son apprehensive about first grade. Talk to him he may be able to tell you. Sometimes teachers hold first grade over the kindergarteners' head to ensure hard work and good behavior. However your son may feel that this pressure makes him anxious. You can go talk to the school counselor or school psychologist about this issue. If that is indeed the case it may be beneficial for your son to retain kindergarten, some children are just not emotionally ready for the pressures of first grade and you want to ensure that your son has a positive education. Please talk to a professional about your options!