Pre-K 4 years old turns into a nightmare

[moncyr]

My 4 year old daughter started pre-k in September and until 2 weeks ago, everything was going reasonably well.  She was getting on the bus, even running to the bus station to make sure that she would be the first one getting on. At a few occasion, she did mention that she cried in school because she missed mommy and daddy.  She is an only child, and have spend her days with daddy as he is retired (although, last year she did attend Montessory for several months), has had a lot of attention, and her every need being catered too.  Her days at kinder garten are long ones for a young child - from 7:35 - 2:50 (school starting at 8:10 to  2:35).  

Two and a half weeks ago, we got a letter from the school stating that they wanted to equilibrate the classrooms, and that her and another child were going to switch classroom and teacher.  I was apprehensive about this entire change, and discussed it with the director and the teacher.  If I only had known the repercussion, this would not have happened.

Since the change, things have been difficult, and are getting worstl.  Now, she does no longuer wants to go to school, even though she is back in her original class. As she says - I want to go to time-out (something that she has experienced very little) rather than going to school, wants to be a baby (as she wouldn't need to go to school),   Last week, I brought her to school (as she no longuer takes the bus, and cried when her father took her, so unable to leave her there crying, took her with him) and the teachers had to basically peel her off me, and today, she peed her pants before leaving the house, and once at school she threw herself in the bushes in front of the school, to make it difficult for me to get her up.  Although, she is very happy and had a good day when my husband picks her at the bus stop at the end of the day,

Tonight she asked that I not bring her to school tomorrow (this has been a phrase that we are hearing starting first thing in the am, and the last at night).

I'm getting several advice from colleague, family members to keep at it, as she needs to learn that she can not always have her way.  My husband is worried, that she does not like the school because it is a French school, and although I am a Francophone, she might not understand.  

I am worried that by peing persistant in this almost traumatic experience, that she will have a sour tast of school and that will affect her perception of it for the many years to come.  Can it be that she is just to young? or is she simply testing us?  Your advice is greatly needed and appreciated.  Thank you,

[specialmom]

I think those are very long days for a 4 year old in a school enviroment and not every child is meant for that.  They will have plenty of long days ahead of them and as it is pre K and not K, you have some choice in it now.  Just my thoughts.

[angelinamarina]

I think this is normal adjustment for starting pre-K.  I would give it another month or two, and do not give in whatever you do!

Angi