DS very attached to one teacher

Jen&Len

DS's first day today and he had a rough day (as we expected).  This is his first time in a school setting as we've had babysitters for him until now.  We've never left him alone anywhere before other than his grandparents houses.  He is very shy and still has separation anxiety.  He cried the first hour, but then was fine the second hour.  But the head teacher told me that he pretty much became attached to the assistant teacher and sat next to her the entire day. The head teacher didn't mind, she was just telling us as part of how his day went.

Today, only half the class started, so the teacher/student ratio was half of what it will be starting next week.  Will his attachment be a big issue later on?  Is there anything I should do to address it?  We did send his lovey with him to school so he would have something.

 

taylorkelley44

As a preschool teacher I can tell you that this is not abnormal at all! Especially this being his first day in school ... EVER! I wouldn't worry to much about it, sometimes kids just gravitate to one adult over the other. It might be something as simple as her hair cut, or hair color, or her perfume. It may remind him of you or dad or another family member.

 I'm sure in a few weeks he will be perfectly adjusted to school. (And it may take that long, but don't worry, it's new to him!)

 

Have you asked his teacher about sending in Family Pictures? In my classroom we have a whole wall full of pictures so my little ones can see their family as often as they like.

Oh and just a quick thing, as tempting as it maybe, always tell him goodbye, don't just sneak out. That is so very scary to a child, to just have a loved one disappear, especially in a new environment! I know that sometimes it may seem easier to just sneak out while he's occupied, but it may come back to bite you in the booty later on!

ironmommy

My daughter has always gravitated toward one teacher, and I used to really stress when that favored teacher left the school for one reason or another. But I've watched my daughter, and she just finds a new favorite. I'm always surprised by her resiliency!

I'm sure your son will adjust, and probably faster than you think. Hang in there! 

Jen&Len

ok, thanks!  I think I was more afraid that the teacher wouldn't be able to do what she needed to (or tend to other kids) with DS plastered to her side.  I would be thrilled if he adjusted in a few weeks! I was anticipating months!