Maybe check with a psychologist about dissatisfaction with GAAB.

So normal. Right down to the illness early in the year that makes them remember how much they like being at home and not wanting to go back to the classroom. My DD went through that at 4 so I'm sure it's even more intense at 2.5. But they do get through it.

The problem might be transitions, then tell him all the time that you will come back. 2.5 is still young, reassure him a lot and when you come back - say, see I am back now, I always come back.

Or the problem can be the care/setting, in which case - how much visibility to you have in daily activities, how staff helps him eat, changes him, etc.

Is it a play based preschool? There should be periods of independent play and centers.

It might be a really long day for him and therefore he's utterly exhausted at home/with you so he comes across as being sad.

And he might still be feeling the residual flu effects - DS had Flu A last week and he is still tired and slightly congested (which is annoying hom so much).

Combine the above that the novelty of a new routine/preschool is wearing off.

OP here - thank you for the replies, this makes me feel much better (although of course I’m sad he’s feeling this way). Being a 2 year old is hard!

Anonymous wrote:Very normal.

Do they do a lot of outdoor play? Ask how long their circle time is. Make sure it's a fun preschool!

How long should circle time be?

My preschooler is very social and has always enjoyed the time with other kids so we were really surprised when we went through a period of literal school refusal after an illness (he got sick at school, then thanks to COVID his class was shut for a week before the regular winter break. It was horrible and eventually we realized he was afraid of getting sick at school again. Anyway I think if he’s just saying he’d rather play with you that is super normal. Not fun though!

With so many in and out due to illness ,it has made transitioning and getting settled in more challenging this year.

Very normal.

Do they do a lot of outdoor play? Ask how long their circle time is. Make sure it's a fun preschool!

Very normal. Post holidays will be a hard integration again.

Yes I’d say this is normal. Are you pregnant? Kids pick up on that shift very quickly too.

Totally normal. There is a honeymoon period at first and then more of an adjustment as the kid realizes this is his new everyday reality.

Extra sleep/snuggles and hang in there!

My son, 2.5, started preschool + aftercare in early September for the first time, after being cared for at home during the day by a nanny for his first years (my spouse and I both work full time). He started off fine (if a little hesitant), then got the flu recently and was out for almost 2 weeks. Going back has been a struggle - the first week back, he was crying at drop off and during the day, that has since improved but he is disappointed when it’s a school day and is still just not quite his usual happy self. He gets upset about things he didn’t before, and just seems sad sometimes. I guess my question is - is it normal to take a couple months to adjust to the school experience? Is he just going though a stormy period of development? Or is this unusual/a bad school fit? I like his school and teachers and he has never reported anything negative happening.