4-year-old very stressed about school

Fire_Fox

flashnazia wrote: »

The trouble with breakfast is that she won't eat it, mostly because she is so stressed.

So she isn't eating breakfast or lunch? This will be contributing to the issue, if blood sugar peaks and troughs adrenaline kicks in to release glycogen from the liver. Adrenaline being the 'fight or flight' hormone! :eek: As blood sugar drops she is not going to be able to concentrate, fail to engage, may experience low mood and can feel nauseous - vicious cycle because she will associate that with school.

How soon does she start feeling stressed, immediately she wakes or does it build up? Can you do morning relaxation stuff together? I am sure there are children's versions of breathing and relaxation exercise DVDs/ CDs. Can the school have someone sit with her and encourage her to eat her meals? Would she 'drink' a protein and berry smoothie in the morning? Could she eat virtually the moment she wakes before she gets a chance to start stressing?

flashnazia

Fire_Fox wrote: »

So she isn't eating breakfast or lunch? This will be contributing to the issue, if blood sugar peaks and troughs adrenaline kicks in to release glycogen from the liver. Adrenaline being the 'fight or flight' hormone! :eek: As blood sugar drops she is not going to be able to concentrate, fail to engage, may experience low mood and can feel nauseous - vicious cycle because she will associate that with school.

How soon does she start feeling stressed, immediately she wakes or does it build up? Can you do morning relaxation stuff together? I am sure there are children's versions of breathing and relaxation exercise DVDs/ CDs. Can the school have someone sit with her and encourage her to eat her meals? Would she 'drink' a protein and berry smoothie in the morning? Could she eat virtually the moment she wakes before she gets a chance to start stressing?

She has milk and there is fruit and milk available mid-morning.

Miss_Havisham

apols if this has already been said (sorry not read through all the thread). Could it be something practical such as a problem using the loo ? I had this trouble at primary school because I didn't like the other kids hearing what I was doing ! This has lead me to being constipated for most of my life.

Has she got a little friend that she could meet up with at the school gate and go into class together (holding hands as little girls do !) - perhaps you could arrange this with another mum?

Bless her, it must heartbreaking for you, I do hope she soon starts to enjoy school.

Miss H xx

flashnazia

Miss_Havisham wrote: »

apols if this has already been said (sorry not read through all the thread). Could it be something practical such as a problem using the loo ? I had this trouble at primary school because I didn't like the other kids hearing what I was doing ! This has lead me to being constipated for most of my life.

Has she got a little friend that she could meet up with at the school gate and go into class together (holding hands as little girls do !) - perhaps you could arrange this with another mum?

Bless her, it must heartbreaking for you, I do hope she soon starts to enjoy school.

Miss H xx

I don't think it's this because she uses the loo fine.

Fire_Fox

flashnazia wrote: »

She has milk and there is fruit and milk available mid-morning.

My point is you are saying the stress is occurring well before she eats, by mid morning it will have been many hours since her last proper meal. That will also not be enough calories to see here through the day and is almost entirely carbohydrates and water, little protein and little fat which slow the digestion and stabilise the blood sugar. I am not criticising you because you are clearly doing your best and you want her to eat, just stating the facts as I understand them.

flashnazia

Well I feel a bit stupid now. Apparently she had a good day today with no tears after the initial ones when I dropped her off. She even ate ALL her lunch.
But they did stay in and watch a dvd at playtime so I wonder if that's where the issue is.

Fire_Fox

flashnazia wrote: »

Well I feel a bit stupid now. Apparently she had a good day today with no tears after the initial ones when I dropped her off. She even ate ALL her lunch.
But they did stay in and watch a dvd at playtime so I wonder if that's where the issue is.

:j:j:j:j:j

flashnazia

Fire_Fox wrote: »

:j:j:j:j:j

Yes, I'm so relieved but I wait with baited breath until this time tomorrow...

Sezzagirl

:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j

Ok, so now you take this positive day and build on it:T

No "worried" chat in the morning, just be very matter of fact and get on with it. Try not to anticipate problems

This sounds like it is the start of her settling in and hopefully will continue over the next months:)

You sound like a wonderful parent who will be a real asset to your daughter and to the school

Is there a PTA type group you could join in with? A great way to meet new people and get an "in" to the school? Again, don't worry if it seems that they all know each other. They were all new once and will appreciate anyone willing to help out:)

Sezzagirl

Oh I am such a nag!!!

Just read that back and it seems like I am really telling you what to do. That's not the case I promise!!

Just trying to help out! x x