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my son extremely anxious about re-entering classroom

They are slowly reintegrating my son back into the classroom, he often tries to not go in, but once he does he does well in there. He is just very anxious about getting in there nad he told me the first three minutes are the hardest and then it's okay.  I feel bad for him b/c he was never like this before.  Sometimes when he sees kids from his school, he just shuts down.  I am sure it is anxiety producing for a five year old, it's been extremly anxiety producing for me.
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Avatar universal
http://www.macmh.org/publications/ecgfactsheets/regulation.pdf

This is very fitting for my son.....
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Avatar universal
Yes, I plan on going in on Tuesday with him the next day I'm off work.  I just need to get this worked on and also on the 20th he has an appt to be eval. by an OT for Sens. Proc. D/O.  The psychiatrist wanted us to do this.  

The learning spec. feels like he is being manipulative, but he keeps telling me he is scared to go into the classroom.  

I also feel like he has poor control over his emtions, but I guess if you are five then it all seems very overwhelming.
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Avatar universal
anxiety producing all this?  --  your words

yes.  

Children who suffer from anxiety appear to be manipulating and contrrolling but they are so distraught that they are merely "trying to survive" in what is perceived a very scary world to them.  Your son was telling you the truth at the restaurant - there were too many people for him (our child would hide under the table when eating out).  The school experience has not "damaged" your son - if anxiety is the issue, the school experience only brought his fears/anxieties to the surface.  They were always there and it appears your son requires help in learning how to manage his fears (irrational though they may be).  Children with anxiety have major issues with transitions because they are afraid of the uknown.  Chewing holes in clothes (and probably other things are pencils, paper, your leather/vinyl furniture, etc.) are all indications of anxiety (chewing brings comfort and thus the activity - is there something else your son could chew while at school?).

I think it is an excellent idea that you are willing to go into the classroom with your son.  Our child suffered from severe anxiety and school was impossible for her.  So,  I attended every half day for a year until she became more comfortable with the system, teacher, peers, etc.  Sometimes, though, having a parent in the classroom can even be more upsetting for the child - ask your son - if he wants you there, then go.  But, don't hover - use the time the assist the teacher with other activities - you want your son to see you as a "comfort" not a "crutch".  Good luck and I hope this helps ....
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Avatar universal
I don't think bullying is going on, but I don't know if he is manipulating or not, but he goes in nad goes to his one on one person and he tries to get my son in line and then he does not want to go into the classroom.  Finally he gets in and when he does he does okay.  Today he had a rough morning bf he went inot the classroom.  He is acting out now b/c on several occasions the school has called me to come get him when he's had a bad day. I've discouraged them from doing this b/c I knew he would learn, if I act out, Mom will come.  

I'm also concerned b/c everyday he chews a hole in his shirts. Today he wore a brand new shirt and came home of course with a hole in it.  All his shirts now have holes in them.  The learning spec. says my son is manipulating.  

I have decided that on Tuesday AM I am going in with him and going to go into the classroom with him.  We have to do it.  I am tired of this!!  

If anyone has any suggestions, let me know. I have suggested going in prior to the rest of the class.

We were at a restaurant the other day and a big family sat down by us and my son had to move to another table, he said there was too many people at the table. I am wondering if he has been damaged by this school experience.



My son has trouble with changes and now they have done all this to him and he is having a hard time.  

I don't know is he being manipulative or is it so anxiety producing that he is doing all this??!!
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535822 tn?1443976780
Have you checked on amy bullying going on are the class mates friendly at all what is their reaction to hum, ask for some info from the teacher ,what does she think is happening .Good luck
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Avatar universal
One suggestion - ask your son when he feels most at ease - entering the classroom before the other children arrive or after the other children are settled and engaged in activities.  Does it help if a "certain" friend is already there?  Is it easier for him if the teacher is present and welcoming or if the teacher is involved in other activities (that is  - ignoring him)?  Sometimes having the child in the classroom before the other children arrive doing something as colouring or looking at a book can help immensely.  

I assume that you are aware that "shutting down" is a huge "red flag" of severe anxiety and I hope you have addressed this issue with your family doctor.  It is possible that your son may require medication in order to help him learn how to manage his fears/anxieties.  If severe anxiety is the issue, then I assure you that your son will not outgrow this nor will it go away - but - he can learn how to "retrain his thinking" re these perceived fears and irrational thoughts.  I wish you the best .....
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