Anonymous
Post 01/14/2015 01:31     Subject: Kindergarten son declares he doesn't like school "at all"
Preschool is fun with a lower ratio. Public K is just awful. There are kids that don't even know their letters, phonics, numbers and there are kids who are reading chapter books. The smarter kids are bored to tears and there is no fun to be had..
Anonymous
Post 01/13/2015 23:47     Subject: Kindergarten son declares he doesn't like school "at all"
Anonymous wrote:My kid hated school (for 2 straight years), but was compliant and not a troublemaker. We changed his school and now he loves it. He is so cheerful in the mornings and on Sunday nights.


Why did he hate school and why does he love it? Which school does he love?
Anonymous
Post 01/13/2015 22:22     Subject: Kindergarten son declares he doesn't like school "at all"
Anonymous wrote:My kid hated school (for 2 straight years), but was compliant and not a troublemaker. We changed his school and now he loves it. He is so cheerful in the mornings and on Sunday nights.


Hmmm another vote for change. Glad your DS is loving school now.
Anonymous
Post 01/13/2015 22:20     Subject: Kindergarten son declares he doesn't like school "at all"
Anonymous wrote:When we got the "I don't like school" complaints, we told our kids you don't have to like school all the time, you just have to do your best at it even if you don't like it at the moment.

Sometimes our work isn't fun -- that's why they call it work and not play -- but school is a child's work just like parents go to work every day.

Then try to distract the kid with discussion of something about school that he does like -- PE, art, friends, an interesting project, a field trip, whatever.

If you honestly think there are significant problems it makes sense for you to try to solve the root issues, but I definitely wouldn't make a big deal of your child's supposed dislike of school. That will just feed it and play right into his hands. When parents downplay unpleasantness, many times kids will as well.


OP again. Thanks for the great advice. I do talk to him every day about the fun parts of school and there are plenty so I know he is not miserable all day. You are right, I need to try harder not to feed his misery. But when those little eyes start tearing up it is so hard. However it is my job to try harder. THANKS
Anonymous
Post 01/13/2015 22:19     Subject: Kindergarten son declares he doesn't like school "at all"
My kid hated school (for 2 straight years), but was compliant and not a troublemaker. We changed his school and now he loves it. He is so cheerful in the mornings and on Sunday nights.
Anonymous
Post 01/13/2015 22:13     Subject: Re:Kindergarten son declares he doesn't like school "at all"
Anonymous wrote:My daughter complained about yelling in her school, particularly by aides. I saw it firsthand and made an issue of the strict discpline at the pta. I also lobbied heavily to get her into a new class. That has made a huge difference in her happiness. Her new main teachers are wonderful and koving. Howver the aides and specials teachers can be quite rough. I agree w the pp that even if the yelling isnt directed at my daughter, she is affected by it. Seems some teachers need to be taught to use their inside voice or out themselves in time out. Patience and Restraint are nit easy, especially when you are outnumbered 2:25, but to ne as a parent, it is essential. K is too early to resent school. Op, i would seriously consider moving him or even considering private. My daughter enjoys her school and is learning a great deal, so we dont plan to mive. It is a Title 1 dcps.


OP here. I am thinking I may need to move him b/c the yelling seems to center around 2 kids who have been problems from the start. But that won't help with the long day or being bored.
I have a feeling this may just be regular K growing pains. He does really like his teacher and does say it is the aide who raises her voice. The aide will also be at the meeting next week so lets see how it goes.

Glad to hear DD is happy. I am hoping to solve our problem without moving him but the idea is certainly on the back burner.

Anonymous
Post 01/13/2015 21:53     Subject: Re:Kindergarten son declares he doesn't like school "at all"
My daughter complained about yelling in her school, particularly by aides. I saw it firsthand and made an issue of the strict discpline at the pta. I also lobbied heavily to get her into a new class. That has made a huge difference in her happiness. Her new main teachers are wonderful and koving. Howver the aides and specials teachers can be quite rough. I agree w the pp that even if the yelling isnt directed at my daughter, she is affected by it. Seems some teachers need to be taught to use their inside voice or out themselves in time out. Patience and Restraint are nit easy, especially when you are outnumbered 2:25, but to ne as a parent, it is essential. K is too early to resent school. Op, i would seriously consider moving him or even considering private. My daughter enjoys her school and is learning a great deal, so we dont plan to mive. It is a Title 1 dcps.
Anonymous
Post 01/13/2015 21:11     Subject: Re:Kindergarten son declares he doesn't like school "at all"

If you honestly think there are significant problems it makes sense for you to try to solve the root issues, but I definitely wouldn't make a big deal of your child's supposed dislike of school. That will just feed it and play right into his hands. When parents downplay unpleasantness, many times kids will as well.


Great advice!




Anonymous
Post 01/13/2015 20:54     Subject: Kindergarten son declares he doesn't like school "at all"
When we got the "I don't like school" complaints, we told our kids you don't have to like school all the time, you just have to do your best at it even if you don't like it at the moment.

Sometimes our work isn't fun -- that's why they call it work and not play -- but school is a child's work just like parents go to work every day.

Then try to distract the kid with discussion of something about school that he does like -- PE, art, friends, an interesting project, a field trip, whatever.

If you honestly think there are significant problems it makes sense for you to try to solve the root issues, but I definitely wouldn't make a big deal of your child's supposed dislike of school. That will just feed it and play right into his hands. When parents downplay unpleasantness, many times kids will as well.
Anonymous
Post 01/13/2015 16:57     Subject: Re:Kindergarten son declares he doesn't like school "at all"
School sucks. Perfectly normal reaction.
Anonymous
Post 01/13/2015 16:56     Subject: Re:Kindergarten son declares he doesn't like school "at all"
I taught K. Believe me, plenty of kids cry until they hit the K door--then they are cheerful and happy. Sometimes, it is for mom's benefit. As a mom, I had one that did that, too.
Anonymous
Post 01/13/2015 16:21     Subject: Re:Kindergarten son declares he doesn't like school "at all"
Mine was in tears and yelling that he hates school the day he had to go back after winter break, and he had been nothing but happy prior to then. Could he just be having an adjustment to being back at school? Pretty sure that's what's going on with mine.
Anonymous
Post 01/13/2015 16:05     Subject: Re:Kindergarten son declares he doesn't like school "at all"
Sounds exactly like the complaints from my Kindergartner except he's been making them from week 1.
Anonymous
Post 01/13/2015 15:57     Subject: Re:Kindergarten son declares he doesn't like school "at all"
OP, Please try not to let your son know how concerned you are. Try to play it down--he may just be repeating things other kids have expressed. Meanwhile, work behind the scenes-as it sounds you are-to solve the problem, if there is one.
Anonymous
Post 01/13/2015 15:34     Subject: Re:Kindergarten son declares he doesn't like school "at all"
This is why yelling at our children at home is a good thing. It toughens them up.


Other parents were complaining about DD's third grade teacher. She yelled. DD never mentioned it, I asked her. Her reply: "She only yells at the ones who deserve it!" She loved the teacher. Very challenging teacher.