Reply to Kindergartener does not want to go to school

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[quote=Anonymous]Aw poor thing.  I know it's hard.  My son started kindergarten this year as well, and he's had some anxiety.  Not as rough as your daughter, though.  I'll tell you what I do in case any of it sounds like it might be helpful.

I bought my son a neon green backpack so it wouldn't be so easy to lose.  
I pack his lunch stuff in Klip It containers, which are pretty easy to open (he has some fine motor skill issues).
http://www.containerstore.com/shop/kitchen/foodStorage/leftoversPlastic?productId=10021675&N=74063

I stick 100% to a routine, from waking to sleep, so that he feels safe in his expectations of the day.

I have worked with him since day one on being a "problem solver."  So he self-identifies this way, and it gives him a good measure of confidence.  Problem solving can be as simple as asking the teacher when you don't know what to do.  And I stress that to him as well.  [b]That teachers love kids and understand that troubles may come up.  They are there to help, and if anything is ever too serious, they will call me at work.  [/b]

I've also read this book to my son for a couple of years, especially when he was having some trouble in day care.  It's a wonderful book about how Mom loves her child all day long, even when (especially when) apart.   And my son finds it very comforting:
http://www.amazon.com/Love-You-All-Day-Long/dp/0060502762

I agree with PP as well.   Definitely acknowledge her feelings.  Help her talk through them.  Remind her that even as scary as it may seem, she's doing very well and making it through each day without any big problems.   It may also help to discuss the fact that "you" (and/or Daddy) face problems, sometimes scary problems, at work or home.   And talk about how you are the problem solver.  Even better, let her see you be a problem solver.  It sounds goofy, but I talk through problems such as missing a turn when I'm driving somewhere I've never been before.  And I tell my son how I will try different things to figure out a solution.   He seems me mess up,  try something different, sometimes fail, but ultimately succeed.  This part won't solve her anxiety over night, but over time it can really help build her self-confidence.[/quote]

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