How do I settle him in- next week starts 'big school'

[georgesmum007]

My ds starts reception next wednesday- (on his 5th b'day). He has been to nursery on the same site for 18mths and seemed settled but the last 2 weeks of nursery were hard- it was like being back at the beginning lots of tears and screaming. It took alot to find out what the problem was and it turned out he was scared about moving to 'big school'. Over the summer lots of his concerns have come to light like 'you have to drink all your milk in big school' - he hates school milk and has always taken water to nursery, 'I cannot do my socks how can I do PE, what is PE I am scared' etc etc. We have handled each of these little problems as they have reared their head. But as the big day gets nearer I am not sure how I am going to cope with the tears and screaming- it makes me feel awful. I can feel myself getting upset just writing this-just the thought of it.
How can I make this easy for him? He is my only one which probably makes this worse- for me not for him.
Any ideas welcome
Thanks

[Smithagain]

Check that he has understood that he will be in a class with children his own age (or even younger in his case, if you're in England).

My first DD got quite anxious about the fact there would be lots of "big" children at school. It was a complete surprise to her when I explained she would be with lots of people her own age. I think she had heard lots of people saying "oh, isn't she little to be going to school already" (like they do) and got all confused.

Otherwise, just reassure as much as possible and keep in mind that he will probably be greatly relieved when he actually gets there and discovers that none of his friends are any good at putting socks on, drinking big drinks etc, etc, etc. IME Reception teachers are very good at this sort of thing. DD1's teacher even fed her from time to time, because she was so slow at eating her lunch

[twocutedarlings]

My DD also starts reception on Tuesday, her 5th Birthday to, we have had similar problems with her being scared of PE ect, she doesnt want to wear her school uniform as its not PINK, But to be honest i think there will be alot of children and Mummys with tears for the first few days (weeks probably in my case).

Im sure that once he meets up with his old nursery friends and see the reception class is very similar to pre school he will soon conker his fears.

[Zog]

Try very hard not to be anxious yourself as he will definitely pick up on this. I'm sure he'll be bubbling with all the new things he has to tell you within a few days. Re PE, if he's worried, I would spend some time with him practising dressing and undressing for PE - you could turn it into a game and time him to see how quickly he can do it. If he knows he can in fact manage his socks, he'll be much less worried, I'm sure.

Exciting times for you both!

[georgesmum007]

Thanks to all for replying- I am trying to be a calm as possible as the big day approaches as I know he will pick up any negative vibes from me which will not be good.

Good luck to all of you in the same boat.

[ScoobyDooooo]

My ds is also starting on wednesday, i think i am more anxious than him, i do worry that he is going to be ok.

I have found that over the holidays i tried to encourage him with little things like, dressing himself (which he does perfect) putting shoes on, socks on, wiping himself after a no 2 he has just got the hang of this this week this was one thing i was worried about.

I think the first week or so will be hard as it's all new but stick with it don't worry & try to encourage him & say it will be great fun & he will meet new friends etc etc.

Goodluck i know how you feel

[kidsrus]

send in a birthday cake to share and focus on how others from nursery will be there.
Tell him how excited you are for him now he is a big boy and DO NOT LINGER get out fast. I made the mistake and my normally confident ds wouldn't let me out i only wanted a photo of him