May want to consider switching her class if they'll let you. Many new teachers can be very mid-low range classroom managers behind closed doors

I agree that 7 hours is a long time if you do not have a need for childcare. In fact, I taught K and I think a full day is too long--but a half day is not enough. Ideally, I think four to five hours would be good for K.

Anonymous wrote:Dd in preK. She's been in preschool since she was 2. It's been a month and she hates it. She cries about it. Nothing specific about it just not wanting to go, and very very grumpy when I pick her up. I know that the hours are new for her. Is this still normal at one month in? She's normally fine with separation from me so I don't think that's the problem. She sleeps well too. I make sure to give her a ton of down time when she gets home. Any btdt advice is welcome.

OP, it's not good that your daughter "hates" school when she hasn't even started "real" school yet. I'm seeing more and more of this and it is so troubling. Please look into the half day option and DO NOT let the school pressure you into a decision.

If you can do half day I definitely would. I see no reason a kid needs to be in full day earlier than the winter he is 4 (to prepare for kindergarten) unless it is for childcare reasons.
- FT WOHM

7 hours is a long day for young kids! She is probably exhausted and still getting used to it. I'm assuming it's a new school (you only said she has friends from last year, but I assume they moved together…?) which means she is getting to new routines and people. Talk with the teacher and find out she is during the day. My DS changed schools at 5 years old and he cried for the 1st month, but he was fine within 20 minutes after I left and would be fine when I picked him up. I made sure to keep our schedule quick and efficient when we got home so that he could eat, rest and get ready for an early bedtime. After a pretty short time he adjusted.

Good luck!

There's a half day option- the school pushes the full day though. I'll look into it.

Anonymous wrote:Is it 7 hrs since it is just a long program or because you need childcare? If the latter she will learn to deal with it since she needs to.
If it is optional though I would see if you can do a half day for the first half of the year.

Agree with pp. When my child was that age there was an option of half day with transportation to and from the day care center he went to. My child loved day care but didn't like the program they had at the elementary school.

Is it 7 hrs since it is just a long program or because you need childcare? If the latter she will learn to deal with it since she needs to.
If it is optional though I would see if you can do a half day for the first half of the year.

OP, I bet she is fine at school. She just "lets down" when she sees you. Give it time.

It's 7 hours. And she has friends from last year

Is the school 3 hours, like it should be? Or is it 8 hours? At this age, kids will be excited with a 3 hour school.

Schedule a weekend playdate with a child in her class so that she can get closely and personally connect to another kid. It may help with the transition.

Is it a new school? I'd ask the teacher how she's doing. (I'd also consider a pop in visit and try to see how she's doing if you can without being seen by her.)

BTDT. it will blow over, and she will adjust. Just give it time!

Dd in preK. She's been in preschool since she was 2. It's been a month and she hates it. She cries about it. Nothing specific about it just not wanting to go, and very very grumpy when I pick her up. I know that the hours are new for her. Is this still normal at one month in? She's normally fine with separation from me so I don't think that's the problem. She sleeps well too. I make sure to give her a ton of down time when she gets home. Any btdt advice is welcome.