Need Info. Any One Else Going Through This? LOOKING for SUPPORT!

You don't have to put him in kindergarten or home school by law until age 6. So since he's having issues you may want to consider prek next year. This happens to many children and I have 3 boys they most mature behind girls. You sometimes have to consider play therapy Lynn Wonders is very good I understand she would talk with you over the phone before a first appt her website is lynnlouisewonders.com she is very helpful and I have had other mothers talk positive about her. She may have some wonderful advise that could spare you and him years of heartache and situations with school later in life.

You may want to try another school. You may also wish to join a home-school play group, at least, just for now. If you go to meetup.com you might be able to find play groups in your area.
It was a hard road when my daughter started school at three, half days. She had challenges with dad at that time too. It all made me wonder how/why we do the things we do in our society. THe upside, she is very engaged and happy at school this year!
I wish you the very best with this decision. No doubt it is a big one.

I would keep sending him to school and reminding him that everyone has to go to school. At age 4 most of school is a lot of fun activity for them, so he's probably just having some separation anxiety. He knows when he can manipulate you though, and he'll do it to get his way -count on it. Kids are like that! It sounds like he would benefit from going back to school and learning to stay there.

Hi S.,
Wow, do I know how that feels. My son felt the same. I pushed him and used the "tough love" approach. You have no idea how much i regret that. I changed my ways and we were able to identify and bring him around.
You should read the Sensory sensitive child book. it may help you understand enough to figure out how to communicate.
Make sure you are listening to him, don't underrate what he is telling you because it sounds ridiculous. Kids that have sensory issues really do feel pain in overstimulated environments.
You may want to get some help from the OT's at www.floortimeatlanta.com. J. McGuire is awesome. She may be able to work with him to help him understand and communicate the issues as well as help him use is body to "regulate" the sensory component.
There is a pediatric chiropractor in atlanta (Balance Atlanta) who I respect. There are lots and lots of testimonials how chiropractic has helped children who experience sensory issues. She has a whole training that you attend to learn about it before you do it. Maybe you could check that out.

If you get ready and feel this is applicable, drop me a note and I will give you tons more info that could help.
Hope that helps.
J.

p.s. nothing against the mainstream doctors, but they just don't get Sensory stuff. please don't waste your time asking them. They mean well, but they don't get it.

Quit coddling the boy, he's 4. Isn't he supposed to be in Pre-K? By you taking him out, it's just going to make it worse later for him to cope with the separation and you are sending him the wrong message...

Why wouldnt you try different techniques to help him accept school instead of taking him out completely? Or do a half day or something? You are giving in to him...

Thats my opinion, sorry if its harsh.

Do his teachers say he freaks out the entire time at school? or does he calm down? my 4yo just started prek and she has done similar resistance, every am for a month, i don't want to go to school. at night, do we have school tomorrow? i don't want to go. but, when she is there she is fine. it's very hard, harder on my because i think maybe she shouldn't be in prek for such a long day. but, i realize she is just fine, we are both having separation issues since she's been home with me for 4 yrs! the other issue is, he will have to go next year, so you might as well start him now so the transition is smooth next year.

where do you live?

Would be worth trying a different school? I was a big fan for 2 or 3 day/week preschool. I thought 5 days was a bit much for my little ones. Will the teachers let you stay part of the time to help transition? Of course that can only last 2 to 3 days before he will need to try on his own. It's been my experience that schools deal w/ crying kids all the time. After a time or two the kid understands that this is the routine and they eventually adjust. Will the school let him bring a "buddy" (stuffed animal) with him for the day? If he has a good week maybe an treat at the end of the week?

I also sometimes think parents cave in a little too easy in an effort to make life easy for their kids. Remember, parenting is about setting realistic limits & safe boundaries for the child, not always what is the easiest for the parent. Have confidence in yourself and in your child. Mine surprise me ALL the time.