2 year old suddenly reluctant to go to play schoo

Tess: Amy went through exactly the same thing at that age, 2years and 3 months. and I was only 6 weeks pregnant at the time so it wasn't that.

We went away for a long weekend, and then the following week she started screaming every morning when we were on our way to school. She started crying before we even left home, saying "I don't want to go to school" and then her teacher would have to take her from me, while she was screaming. It was awful for me, but only lasted about a week though. I would tell her in the mornings that her friends and teachers are looking for her and miss her. Soon she loved going to school again.

Thanks hayley! I thought he was the only (future) sibling not getting the message! I guess what will be will be. Anyway, we have lots of people to support us - the grands adore him and will def be willing to give some extra love when the time comes!

Tessa. My baby was born when my son was 2yrs and 4 months old and I can tell you that even though I prepared him for the arrival of the baby he just did not have a clue what I was on about until the baby actually arrived home. Quite honestly he was not in the least bit interested in the baby to start with. He just carried on as normal. It is however now almost 6 months down the line that the jealousy has begun. I think it is because baby has become a little human now and is laughing and inteacting with us. People tend to pay more attention to the baby now cause those giggles and smiles are just so darn sweet and I think this effects my eldest a lot. But all children are different, I have heard some Moms say that their eldest child rejected them when baby arrived.
Don't stress too much. When baby arrives it will be a huge change for everyone but once you get into the swing of things it will be like you never only had 1 child. Moms are flexible like that and you will find yourself being able to give both your children all the time, love and energy they both need.

Tess_S wrote:

I did have a chat with his teacher and she said he seems fine otherwise. Plays nicely etc. I think maybe he is just taking a chance - he can probably sense that I would keep him home, but DH is adamant that he mustn't develop this bad habit. I guess it's guilt from my side knowing I will have less time for him in a couple months.
But gosh, aren't they emotional-manipulators?! I actually thought I would be a tougher parent than I am turning out to be …. but I will persevere!!

Sorry being a naana and missed your post! Yes probably just an attention seeking thing if nothing is really the matter...

Tess - have you spoken to his teacher to how he is during the day at school or how is as soon as you have dropped him off? Usually kids moan a bit not to go to school and then as soon as they are there all is forgotten and they happily get on with their day and playing with their friends. It is usually a way to try and get some extra attention from mommy.

Hey CIP! Ja, um the cold mornings are not really a problem - he's the one that wakes us up!!
About talking to him about the baby - I have been saying to him there's a baby brother coming, I make him say hello to my tummy "cos there's a baba there", but honestly, I don't think he gets it at all. I'm not sure what else to do. My mom even got out one of our old baby dolls to try and get him used to seeing another baba ….. I don't think he's made the connection. As I said, I think it's more like he's picking up on guilty vibes from me!
That said, he went off to school just fine this morning. If anyone does have any ideas about how to get him more aware of the baby please do give your suggestions. He was a late talker, so may be a little slower on the uptake than other kids his age …

have you considered the cold mornings, I kknow kids prefer to sleep in when its cold and the cold mornings are tough even on us adults. I find that when its winter it is so hard to get up in the morning.

Also please talk to him about the baby coming in August because somehow in his mind he might be telling himself that you are getting rid of him to make space for the new baby, it will be easier for him to accept the baby when it comes if he knew about it before hand.

Just my thoughts.