she doesnt like playgroup

[freyap]

my daughter who is 3 soon started playgroup in august and she loved it. Three weeks in and she cries as soon as i mention playgroup,she doesnt want to go,doesnt want to play with the other children,or go outside to play which she did quite happily before.Its very upsetting for me as she is a very happy contented child.My thinking might be that another child has pushed her or upset her as she is an only child and not use to playing with other children her own age,her cousins are all in their teens and twenties.When i go to pick her up she seems to be playing happily,but she is adamant that she is not going back the next day. She goes for 2 1/2 hours a day 5 times a week,the rest of the kids were the total opposite they were crying at the start now they are very happy to be going.
I would appreciate any advice

[babygirl6152]

just a thought- is she being corrected at all by adults for not sharing, encouraged to play nicer? etc?

Naturally a 3 year old child thinks the world is for his/her pleasure. It is a rude awakening to go out into that world one day and find other's have feelings, and that we have to cooperate with them.
I am a preschool teacher and that is why most kiddos are brought to preschool or playgroup, so when they go to kindergarten they've already been taught others' feelings that have to be considered.
To put it bluntly, the world does not revolve around them anymore.

There is also a chance that is not it at all, and it is separation anxiety- sometimes they have to cry for a bit. I had a little girl cry out one short period of time to her mom every time she dropped her off- every day/ it was her way of saying- I like it here ok mom, but I love being with you even more.... then it was over. Of course children can't verbalize all this right? When mom was out of sight she was fine.

[jdtm]

Maybe 2 1/2 hours a day for 5 days a week is too much.  How about 2 1/2 hours a day once or twice a week for a year or so and then try more hours next year?