preschool problems

[umnana]

My 4 year old daughter suddenly does not want to go to school , though she loved it and was always excited about it , now after six months , she simply refuses to go with no apparent good reason . We have talked to her about it and to her teacher to find out if anything went wrong , but there does not seem to be any problems . She loved school from the first day , she liked her teacher and she immediately made friends . Her teacher calls her "every teacher's dream" since she is very well behaved , helpful and willingly participates in all the activities .
Is this sudden change normal behaviour ? What can we do to convince her to go to school again ? Should we force her to go ?
Please help , Thanks .

Lina

[margypops]

Yes I totally gree with jtdm check out for bullying or other kinds ogf negative behavior it seems to stem from the school, maybe teacher isnt seeing it, ask pertinent questions of your daughter she may be afraid to say, does she have babysitters or other Family members in her life there could be a problem with? Maybe forcing her to go to school sounds too harsh , persueding her is better, and make sure she has plenty of time to get up and get ready, children hate to be rushed out of the door,it is a problem in many familys,when they dont get up early enough. Good Luck

[jdtm]

Should we force her to go ? - yes.  If you give in this time, then the pattern for attending school will be set.  Once a child is six years of age, school attendance is not optional but mandatory.  If you allow her to stay home, then you will be repeating this behaviour many, many times in the coming years.  But, you should reassure your daughter that if she is ill or there is a major problem, the teacher will call you.

I might inquire about "bullying" though - perhaps the school could be especially vigilant in this regard.  But often when a child refuses to attend school, it is over a small issue - as another child saying a hurtful thing, or being unable to use the washroom when necessary, or feeling incompetent with a certain assignment, etc.  Hope this helps ....