Any advice re: Kindergarten/Seperation issues

Hoping someone might be able to offer some BTDT advice for my SIL.

My nephew started Kindergarten and loved his first two half days but has been having issues since he started full day.

Day 1: Meltdown after lunch
Day 2: Meltdown at drop off and crying consistently throughout the day.
Day 3: Haven't heard back yet but as of last night was telling her he wasn't going tomorrow :(

Any tips or advice for this poor Mom?

TIA!

Re: Any advice re: Kindergarten/Seperation issues

I guess just keep reassuring him. Maybe she can put a picture or a favorite stuffed animal in his backpack so he knows it is there.
She should also speak with teacher and find out if there is anything that seems to be triggering the melt down in school.

It is tough but it will all pass.

Any advice re: Kindergarten/Seperation issues

Thanks. She has been speaking with the teacher daily.
He flat out told her that it is too long. So it seems he would love 1/2 day Kindergarten. lol.

Re: Any advice re: Kindergarten/Seperation issues

We had huge issues with my dd last year in school. She was crying most of the day. First talk to the teacher. I started spraying a small amount of my perfume on her wrist so she could sniff it during the day and think of mommy. I also sent her in a wallet size picture of our family and they let her carry it around with her all day. It really helped calm her down. After a few months she just got better. She was 3 than now and 4 she just gets it.
I'm sure your nephew will get use to it within in a few weeks since he is older.

Re: Any advice re: Kindergarten/Seperation issues

As a teacher of older students with special needs who often struggle with transitions into the new school year, I have suggested a few things that help ease it. These are some that may also work for a kindergarten aged child.
-a picture of family that can be kept in backpack or in desk and looked at quickly when feeling nervous
-a special necklace or bracelet (that mom and dad have a similar one of) to know they're still connected to home
-a special activity at the end of the week at home for a good week at school

Any advice re: Kindergarten/Seperation issues

Validate his feelings--"I know this is hard for you, I know you are tired/sad, etc". Quick goodbye and don't let him make any deals about missing school. He can have his feelings but there is no discussion about not going. "Everyone goes to school when they are 5".