What to do about playgroup?

Question

My son has just come home from playgroup utterly miserable. When I collected him, he played up getting his coat on, and he was looking really upset. When we got home, I figured there may be a problem, he eventually told me it was another child there upsetting him. He just doesn't want to go back!

It isn't as if my son is new there, he was there last year, too, and the majority of kids (including the one he is upset over) were there last year as well. So it isn't a settling in thing, he was settled there from word go and has always, up to now, really looked forward to going.

There doesn't appear to be any problems reported to me by the playleaders, anytime I have asked about things, no problems to report. I haven't noticed anything myself when I have been on duty there, either.

I am wondering whether I should just take him out altogether (changing the days he goes is out of the question, since both my son and the other one go every day). There really isn't much other choice in my area, or at least none within easy distance from my house, so going to another group isn't really an option.

I just wondered if anyone can throw some light on this, and any suggestions as to how I can solve it. So far I have considered taking him out altogether, or giving it another day or two and see how it goes. I will be on duty again soon, so I had thought of seeing for myself, but I don't know how effective that would be!

Answer 1

If this is a one time incident, I would not be concerned. Kids do have fights, I'm sure you remember from your own childhood how many times you told someone you never wanted to talk to them again and then made up the next day.

Answer 2

agree with other's in the sense that you should try to persevere. In the meantime talk to your child's key worker and explain the situation and ask for them to keep an eye on his interactions with other children, if he is being excluded by other children they should pick this up. If his behaviour is what is currently the cause of this or theirs the staff should be able to assess this and plan their next stps to support him...also mention this to the supervisor and explain you have spoken to the key worker...monitor what happens, when you are on shift and try to saty away from your son and observe him without him noticing where possible...but do talk to staff first...but if they dont listen or refuse to work with you then consider taking him out and/or complaining to management/committee and if none of that works report them to Ofsted for not working in partnership with parents.

That's if you are in England! Would need to check who is regulator in your part of the world otherwise.

Good luck...am sure is 'just one of thise things' but you are very right to keep an eye on it...

Answer 3

Hi, i have the same thing with my son on and off all depends on what they have been doing that day!

My son gets very upset if one of his little friends doesn't play with him but i always know that the next day will be fine.

Some mornings we have a real squabble because he doesn't want to go but as soon as he gets there he is fine. I think at this age especially my son they take everything to heart, my son started refusing to wear a certain t shirt that used to be a favourite because a boy at nursery said it was rubbish!!!

And also if there ever has been anything not very nice going the staff have always informed me and explained the situation.

Hope this helps xx

Answer 4

It's all part of growing up, part of learning to get along with other kids.  He has to learn how to cope when he doesn't like somoene - if you take him out of playgroup, and he starts going to school, and a child in his class "upsets him a lot", you won't be able to take him out of school.  If you take him out of playgroup over this it could make life harder further down the road.

Answer 5

I would just hang on a wee bit longer so you can see for yourself.

You know what kids are like......... him and this other boy will probably be best mates again before you know it.