How do I get my son to like school?

Question

My son is 4 years old and he just started school on Tuesday and he hates it! He cry's every morning when I drop him off and he tells me he wants to stay with me and that he dosent like school. What should I do? How do I encourage him to enjoy school?

Answer 1

The best thing you can do is to make him go. Don't hang around and let him see you wait to see him cry. This is so common- it may even take a month. Praise him when he leaves school about staying (even if he cries). Praise the work that he has done. Tell him you saw how he said goodbye to his friend and that makes you proud. Soon, he will like school much better and realize it is time to play with kids his age and he will see mommy really soon.

Answer 2

I had the same problem with three of my children when they were at your son's age.Then I decided to do something.First I talked to them(smiling!) how funny and nice will it be at school.Told them that there they will find so many friends and it will be so nice!Described them the lessons - teachers say what they have to say and then you are allowed to ask anything you are interedted to know about the lesson!Described the breaks too - a lot of children play and have fun.Then he/she goes home and writes homework(which I described as training for being ready to the next day).I made the homework look something interesting.Bought new very beautiful notebooks,the textbooks were also new(trust me,a 4 or 5-year-old doesn't like second-hand textbooks).Bought a school bag(my children always pick the one they like).Bought new beautiful clothes and shoes.Of course,children still need a lot of your attention.After school you don't have to make them go straight to doing their homework.Leave some time to ask how was it at school and ask them which were the funniest moments.If they complain of something bad(or not so bad;) ),just hug them and say "I'm sure you are strong and clever enough to cope with this.I love you sweatheart!".It's easy,just help them look at the school with a 'pink eye',not the grey one:))))

Answer 3

Involve yourself into your sons school by volunteering once a week for an hour. Do school like activities at home. Ask your son what it is about school he doesn't like. Talk with the teacher and make sure his concerns are addressed. Ask the teacher to work with you on his feelings for school since he needs to go through another 12-13 years.
Reassure your son he will see you when he comes home. Offer him a picture he can keep of his family at school in his cubby space.

Answer 4

Maybe you can see if you can make friends with one of the parents with a kid in the class. Then have them over to play. Then when he gets to school he will have a friend.
You might need to stay with him a few times, then sneak out of the class. Then he will get used to it. Maybe..
I have two boys 3 and 4. One is great about school, the other holds onto my leg for dear life. I cannot imagine how I can seperate from him. I remember feeling that way when I was a kid, and it is terrifying. Maybe you should reassure him that you will be back and your not leaving him for good.
Good Luck.

Answer 5

I didn't have that problem with my 4 year old,who started in June but i think you should give him more time to get used to it.You can also talk to him and ask him what he hates the most,so you can work on that subject.Talk to his teacher,so you can work together,maybe she can pay extra attention to your kid for a while.Don't worry,it'll work out.Next time when there will be a change like that in his life,start preparing him ahead of time.It all ways works with my son.Good luck mommy.

Answer 6

Try telling him how much fun he will have at school and that he will meet new kids his age that he can play with. You can also try giving him a little reward at the end of the school day like his favorite snack or something.

Answer 7

I think you should do something fun with him every week and tell him if he goes to school you'll do something fun every week with him (like let him bring at least four or less friends to chukie cheese one weekend the next weekend you take him to the mall of america, give him a new game, out for ice cream etc...)
that should make him want to go!

Answer 8

Give it some time. He's having separation anxiety. Make going to school a pleasure, something you're proud of...and make sure he has a little reward at the end of the school day.

Answer 9

Aww!
Weel it's his first week.
But maybe if the school allows it you can go there for the first couple of days.
Also let him know that school is fun, he'll love it, and that you'll be there to pick him up on time, and play at home when you get back.

Answer 10

Try to tell him about all the good things at school. Meeting new friends, games, etc. It is not easy, but you need to get him into a positive attitude.