Kindergarten Anxiety Question

[JSilva2]

I have a 5 year-old son who started kindergarten in August.  It is now September and he's all of a sudden decided he hates school.  He peed his pants one day, the next day had diarrhea (didn't make it to the bathroom), kept him home the next day....was TOTALLY fine.  Took him back to school and he threw up in the classroom.  Kept him home again.  Took him back on Monday after having a great weekend and he threw up....twice.  After he threw up the first time, he smiled and said, "My mommy's coming to get me now."  The teacher cleaned him up and kept him in class...until he threw a few hours later.  He's fine at home, but once he gets to school he's making himself sick.  The teacher said she's never seen such a thing ....HELP!!!!

[jdtm]

These behaviours are not uncommon for children suffering from severe anxiety.  First, I might suggest you read the posting and answer on the "Child Behavior Expert Form" site - posting entitled "Separation Anxiety in 10-year old" by gloi on Oct. 16 - reply by Dr. Kevin Kennedy.  It might sound brutal but desensitization is the "way" to conquer one's fears.

I might suggest you google the phrase "separation anxiety and school" or "school refusal" or similar words/phrases to learn more about this issue.  There is a ton of information on this topic on the internet and in bookstores.  Then, make a visit to your family doctor - if he/she is unable to help you, ask for a referral to a medical mental health  specialist as a child neurologist or child psychiatrist.  Treatment does not need to include medication - often a plan is devised by the doctor which the parents implement to help the child learn to cope/manage his fears.  As you can see from the orignal posting, if anxiety is the issue (and I strongly suspect it is), your son will not outgrow it nor will it go away.  However, anxiety is highly treatable (especially in children).  I wish you the best ....