Sam’s been at a new school since the first of November, and while for the most part everything is going great, ever since we’ve been back from Christmas break, he’s been having a rough time at drop off. He’s such a creature of habit that when there’s a slight change in routine, which there’s bound to be, he is not a fan. In the mornings and afternoons, a lot of times his class will merge with the class across the hall, because there aren’t a ton of kids there. He does NOT like that at all. And if that merge takes place in the morning and I’m not dropping him off in his regular classroom? It’s bad.
He doesn’t cry, he doesn’t pitch a fit… he just doesn’t want me to leave. He clings to my leg. His lip quivers. And though he moves past it pretty quickly, I’m having a hard time doing the same.
It’s not the way to start the day, for either one of us.
I’m not sure what to do, though, other than to ride it out. However, I am open for suggestions. Any words of wisdom from the other moms out there?
…from the other moms out there…well, now…
Nah, I guess I don’t have any…
I will say, however, he must be a great kid, because change sucks.
UP
I recall that when I taught pre-k that at times even 4 year olds had trouble with changing rooms. It upsets their feelings of security. You might try making him a little schedule with a symbol to signify the first room he goes to and then an arrow to point to the symbol for his own room.If the staff is consistent every day, you could take a pic of the first person he will be with and that room and then a pic of his teacher and his room. Then you could put in the pic of the afternoon staff and room, then a pic of you as the next thing will be Mom picking him up. Just an idea.
Love Diane’s idea! As a teacher, I definitely notice that a known schedule helps ALL children. Picture cues are awesome for little kids. Unfortunately, I’ve worked in daycares, too, and it is not always predictable (even for the people that work there!) how each morning will go because it’s all based on numbers!
My daughter is very apprehensive of new people. When I would take her to the child care where I work out, she would always get upset if it wasn’t the person she thought it might be. So, on the way there, we always discuss all the different people it might be and what she likes to do with those people. As long as she knows it could be one of many, she seems to be okay. Preparation is the key! Good luck! I’m sure it’s heartwrenching!
Love Diane’s idea as well. My son has Aspergers and change was definitely not his favorite thing either. I was able to talk to the teacher in preschool as well as elementary school and we found him a buddy and a backup buddy. Having someone to meet or a specific location to go to vs feeling submerged in the “chaos” helps sometimes. Best of luck.
My 5 year old started a new school in January, and our 3 year old stayed at the old school. The 3 year old (son) is not a morning person and he definitely isn’t good with change.
Our first couple of days were really rough with him (she was too excited about her new school to have troubles). But on the way to drop her off I tried to talk to her about what she needed to do when we pulled up- get out of her seatbelt, put on her coat, HUG HER BROTHER, and grab her bookbag and lunch. Then she was supposed to go inside the building.
I did the same thing with our son when we got close to his drop off. I talk about what we are going to do- get out of our carseat, put on our coat, grab his whatever toy, go inside, etc… you will give Mommy one hug and one kiss, Mommy will leave. Mommy will get you after work/your nap and we’ll go see Sissy and Daddy.’
All the talking through the various steps has seemed to help (as well as letting him watch whatever he wants on our commute!) but we’ve had a 4 day weekend (2 snow days) and I’m sure we’ll start rough tomorrow!
Good luck!