Should I pull him out?

[Arcadia]

If you pull a child out of prep and try again next year, wouldn't they start at prep again? Or would they go to year one?

When I went to school the variety of ages in my year was huge, about 15 months, so some kids were kept back an extra year while others were accelerated.

I think the variety of norms across states and countries shows there is no perfect time for every child to start school, and the success of many homeschooling children demonstrate school itself is not the only solution for each child either.

It's about what works for your child and your family.

[Floweryfields]

If you pull a child out of prep and try again next year, wouldn't they start at prep again? Or would they go to year one?


.

No unfortunately inQld it doesn't work like that. If you choose not to do the prep year, you go straight to year 1 the following year.

[Arimeh]

Thanks everyone for your opinions only just got the chance now to pop on quickly on my phone.

He turned 5 in January so technically he doesn't need to go until next year since they must be in school when they are 6.

I asked him (for about the millionth time, sorry my first post didn't reflect that I have talked to him) and he just says he doesn't want to go because it's not fun. He misses me.

I pointed out yesterday that he only goes for 6 hours out of 24, so that's 18 hours he gets to spend with me a day, so much more than 6.

He's running around at the moment saying he's not going to school. He won't get dressed so I've told him unless he does, he's going in his undies.....

[Snowy Love]

Prep is the same as NSW Kindergarten. Its not compulsary to enrol but once they start its treated the same as any other grade of school regarding attendance.
I don't know what to advise MNB maybe stress how boring home is (not saying you are boring 'cause you so are not)

[Ginger]

so if you pulled him out, would he stay home with you this year and then do prep in 2013?

[Maruschke]

M, I wonder what would happen if you let him stay home for one day, but there were no books, no wii, no tv, no music, etc, just really boring stuff, and then talk about all the fun stuff he does at school... reading and craft and playing with his friends etc.

[Floweryfields]

How'd you go today? M's idea about making it very boring at home on the days he stays home with you (if you chose to do that) sounds like a good plan.

so if you pulled him out, would he stay home with you this year and then do prep in 2013?

That's not an option - in Qld you can't choose to miss a year and start the year after - he would have to start grade 1 in 2013.

[Phteven]

Prep is the same as NSW Kindergarten. Its not compulsary to enrol but once they start its treated the same as any other grade of school regarding attendance.

Kindy is the first year of compulsory education in NSW. Pre-school is optional but the NSW government used to try to make publicly funded pre-school available for disadvantaged children.

[indie24]

Why don't you wait until end of term and see how he goes over the holidays?

[Beautiful Disaster]

You poor thing he is such a smart cookie I hope I don't have this problem.

I would try the bribing it keeping him home bored just to see if that stuff helped. (puts into memory bank incase needed in 4 years time)

[Ginger]

Ok, if that is the case then I would be reluctant to pull him out.

[JLeigh29]

We've had some very 'reluctant attenders' (for want of a better phrase) in schools I've taught in, and the school was very accommodating with them in terms of setting up gradual re-entry programs. I've seen them do a great job with both anxiety and behaviour issues. Basically, it's a gradual re-entry, might start off with a short visit with you for say 15 minutes during his favourite activity, then build up to a couple of hours a day, a couple of days a week, until he's attending full time. That could take months (or longer).

Are there particular times of day that are hardest for him (e.g break time)? They could be avoided to start off with. Is there separation anxiety at other times you are apart, or just with school?

Have you met with the principal, teacher and other support staff (guidance officer, for example) to discuss options? I'd be suggesting it's not just your problem to sort out on your own and be enlisting their help. I'm sure he's not the first child they've come across who doesn't want to go to school for whatever reason....

And lastly, , because it's always heartbreaking to see your LO's upset.

[Arimeh]

Finally found it again!

He has been really bad since my last update, but yesterday and today both dh and I and his teacher have been bribing him to be brave.

So yesterday and today were good. Just have to wait and see how next week goes...

[kelebek]

I know it's a slightly different situation but DS went through a stage where he wasn't happy to go to childcare after months of being fine. DS's dad took him for about a week and then he was fine, like it broke the habit... is it possible for your DH to do the dropoff's for a week and see how that goes?
Could bribing him with a 'date' with you work?
Does he have to go full time? Can he go 3/4 days a week?
If he continued then I would seriously consider pulling him out cause the move may mean he is feeling a little overwhelmed with all the changes hope he stays brave for you.

[StrawberryMumma]

Oh man, I don't come on bb much anymore but after reading your post MNB I thought I should reply!

I feel for you mate because we've had very similar issues with our DD (turns 5 in May) Its been the most horrendous motherly thing I've ever gone through!
We've been perservering (she went 2 days last year and now is full time this year) and only now we are starting to see an improvement. still plenty of tears, but it's getting better thank goodness as some of her behaviours were so concerning.

Will pop back when I have a bit more time.