"I Don't Want To Go To School" this is what I hear every Tuesday and Thursday. Preschool for Will went great the first week and now he doesn't want to go. I think it has set in that this is going to be a regular occurrence. I drop him off and have to leave him screaming and crying that he doesn't want to stay. The first few days I waited in the hall where he couldn't see me but now after a few minutes I do leave since I know the teachers will call me if I need to come to the rescue. It breaks my heart into a million pieces hearing him plead to go home yet I know that he is safe and needs school. This past Tuesday I had to peel him off of me and hurry out the door, the teacher told me he only cried for a minute, other days it has been for about 30 minutes, progress right? I asked Will why he doesn't want to go and he said because he just wants to go home with me.
I have tried just about everything, reading The Kissing Hand book, bribery, sticker charts and none of this has really helped. But I do know my kiddo and know that only time will ease the sadness, since change is hard even for me. I will continue to reassure Will that he is safe and that I love him. I know that this too shall pass and that one day he will be running into the classroom with a smile on his face. Until that happens inside I will be dreading Tuesdays and Thursdays and will continue to arrive early to peek in at him and see how he is doing. I will continue to put my happy face on and tell him how proud I am of him for going to school even though inside I am sad for him. Separation is hard yet raising your child to be independent is the best gift you can give him. Today we are going to a field trip so today should be a happy, smiley day!
Have you had a similar experience with separation anxiety? Share your thoughts.
