Summer behavior?

[Anonymous]

Our 5 yo daughter has always been pretty well-behaved... until preschool ended a few weeks ago. She has been aggressive, sad, and angry. Can’t tell if it is due to changes in the routine or something else. Anyone else have this issue?

[Anonymous]

Take her out for an activity or enroll her in a sport, class, or camp. Could she be bored, or even tired? My 5 year old still naps once a day, and I haven't had that experience, but we are also very active and on the go.

[Anonymous]

She might be sad that Preschool is over and anxious about starting kindergarten. It is a big change. Is she scared that she won't know anyone? Is she worried that she won't make friends? Is their a friend that she wants to have a play date with?

Ask her how she is feeling and probe a bit to see how she is doing. I know DS was worried about the change, it was a bit easier because he knew a few boys who were going to be in kindergarten with him but he was still nervous. And this year, at the end of first grade, he told me he was sad because he was going to miss some of his friends. And what if they move? Last year a few kids moved during the summer so he was worried that was going to happen again. We discussed why people move and how it is normal and that it is ok to be sad if someone moves.

There is a lot going on in a kids head and they don't know how to process those emotions. Heck, they are challenging emotions for an adult never mind a 5 year old.

[Anonymous]

I’d recommend not bogging her down with too many activities. That is just more change and that could increase the anxiety.

[Anonymous]

The loss of a routine can be hard. I'd work to create some loose routine to your days--not overscheduling them, and plenty of time to play, and with an emphasis on outdoor time (especially in the mornings, before it gets too hot), but something to give the days a little structure.

[Anonymous]

Same situation. What I find best is to have down time.