Sudden Crying at Separation

I have two boys. The oldest would do things like this when he was upset about something else. Usually I could drag it with a day of following him and asking a lot of questions. I would really focus on his day at school there maybe something going on there. Teachers do miss things sometimes.
My youngest it is usually a schedule change. A day off, new teacher, sleep times or even the cold, it takes almost two weeks sometimes for him to 'adjust' with a little less drama day by day.

this is common....here is the last one
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Hello, I'm am the oldest of 9 childern and I have a 4 year old and 2 year old twins. If he was fine going to school b4 and didn't complain but all of a sudden he starts to cry when you drop him off, sit him down and talk with him by yourself and see if something happend to him he didin't like. Its not really normal for that to happen, as a mom that what I would do always go with your first instinct if you feel that something may have happend to him ask him he will tell his mommy.

I've been reading some of the responses, but I have a little different experience with my daughter. She was a very colicky baby, and still has a hard time dealing with stressful situations. When she is more whiny and needy than normal, I agree that you shouldn't give it too much attention, but what really makes the difference with her is to give her extra attention at home. When she's getting it helps her feel more secure in those hard times and better able to handle being dropped off. I just take extra time at bedtime for songs and books and whatnot. Good luck and remember that you know your child better than anyone else, so go with your gut.

My daughter went through this a few months ago. Just like with your son is started suddenly, then a couple of weeks later it stopped just as quickly. During that time I took special care to look for any unusual brusing and talked to her without any distractions about her day. Lucky for me all was fine, but it never hurts to make sure. It just was a short faze that she was going through. Good luck.

I am not sorry to say I totally disagree with everyone.

If my child did this, I would stop taking her there at least until she was no longer sick (it sounds like you might have that luxury or option) and then ask if he would like to go to school on a day when he does feel better.

I would also show him sign language for mean, nice and ouie (boo boo)/sick

Then try one more time and see if he still acts thing way-when he is not sick. If he still acted this way then I would try a new daycare/pre-school. But this time go with him to try to integrate him again.

If you take him after being sick and he feels better and does not throw a fit when you drop him off then it was probably b/c he was sick and was trying to tell you he is sick and does not want to go to school.

I hope this helps.....always go with your gut feeling. You cant always trust the teachers...if there was something wrong at the school -do you really think she would tell you?

This is totally normal. His crying is just a way for him to express to you he is going to miss you. If he is fine after you are gone a few minutes, it is nothing worse or long term. Both my boys went/still do go through this from time to time. My oldest will be 4 in Feb. and he does this on occasion. It is best to keep with with your nomal routine. Take an extra minute or two when dropping him off to reassue him of what's going to happen. If he continues to try, just leave. You can always wait outside the door or around the room's corner where he can't see you to see how he actually behaves after you are gone.
Basicly, its normal. Think about it, we all have those times when we just don't want to let go of someone. BUT your kids only way of expressing it is by crying. It will pass.

Is the teacher sure nothing is happening at the school? A friend found out her son was being teased at his preschool and the teacher wasn't even aware of it which we were very surprised at because we always liked her as our children's teacher. Another friend had a child who was being bitten at school and adopted that behavior herself as a result.

I would also see if you could sit in one day and observe for yourself.

Hi J., I can honestly say I have had alot of experience with this, I have been a preschool teacher for 13 years! I know that for Moms it is traumatic when their little one starts crying about going to school, but it isn't unusual for it to happen even after they seem to have adjusted.
It could be from the cold, especially if he got to stay home with you and have that special pampering. He also could finally realize school isn't just a novelty but he is going back on a regular basis, or that you are home giving that baby attention. Sometimes it is a power play.
My advice to the parents is pretty simple, talk about all the fun he is going to have in school before he goes. Then tell him you are going to be doing something you know he wouldn't enjoy while he is having all that fun( hey it works sometimes!). Ask the teacher about setting up some kind of positive reinforcement for him. For example, if he goes to school without crying he gets a special sticker on a chart. This works great, especially if you can find stickers of something he is passionate about. Most importantly, once you get there don't hang around. If possible, scoot him in the classroom and leave. I know it sounds mean but it really is the best way for the child, the longer you linger the worse the separation. I am sure the teacher is right, once you go the crying doesn't last long. A good teacher will get them focused on something to do right away.
I encourage my parents to hang out in the hall and see that I am right about how long the crying lasts when they aren't in sight. They are usually pretty amamzed and that gives them more resolve to stick to the "drop off and go" method.
Hope this has helped!
J.