Just over a week ago my 4yr old daughter said she didnt want to go to school ever again and started crying & clinging to me when I dropped her off. She used to love it! I made her go until Thurs when after a very disturbed night with her I decided to give her a 4 day w/e. However, this behaviour has spread to her not wanting to attend her gym class or swimming lesson even though I am spectating and she cried when I left her briefly with my best friend whom she loves. She did this for approx a mth when she started school a yr ago but since then has been fine. When I ask her why she says she misses me and feels too tired to go to school. I've also spoken to the teachers at length but they cant think what is causing it. She started full time in sept and pre summer she was on 3.5 days. Could she really just be tired? We dont do afterschool activities and shes in bed latest by 7.30pm. I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has been through a similar thing or can give me any advice.

I know off 3 children in my son's nursery class that do this too, they cling to mum/dad every morning and yet when the parents come to pick them up they've had a lovely day and forgotten all about it.

Find it hard to watch and there not even my kids so imagine it must be heartbreaking for you.

I think you've probably hit the nail on the head when you say she misses you, she may just not be ready to be away from you for that long and the best solution might be to arrange for her to go back to half days for now. School can be quite overwhelming for some kids. I would give her clubs a miss for a while too until she's settled again and then try them again.

thanks for the reply. she was much better this morning and we've designed a reward chart on which she gets a star each time she is brave. she has come home from school really happy so am hoping that the rest has done her good. am also making sure that i dedicate time to her when she comes home from school instead of continuing the housework! thanks again x