A child's refusal to go to nursery is one of the most common situations that parents face in the first years of his life, and it often causes worry and stress for the parents. The child's entry into a new environment away from home represents a great challenge for him, especially with the presence of feelings of anxiety and separation from family.
Or his not being accustomed to the new routine. The reasons differ from one child to another; they may be linked to psychological factors, or to the way the caregiver deals with him, or to the nature of the environment inside the nursery. Understanding these reasons helps parents deal with the situation correctly and facilitate the process of the child's integration inside the nursery.
Definition of the problem of the child's refusal to go to nursery
Refusal to go to nursery is a natural behavior that appears in many children, represented by continuous crying, resistance, or making excuses not to go. This refusal is considered a natural response to sudden changes in the child's life.
Such as separation from the mother or facing a new place and unfamiliar people. However, the continuation of this problem for a long period may indicate the presence of deeper factors that need the attention of the parents and follow-up from the educational environment.
The psychological reasons behind the child's refusal of nursery
Psychological reasons are considered among the most prominent factors, such as separation anxiety that appears when the child feels fear of being away from his parents. Also, some children have a shy or sensitive personality that makes them find difficulty in adapting to strangers. The child not feeling safe inside the nursery may make him refuse to go constantly.
The educational and behavioral reasons
The problem may be linked to the educational method at home. Children accustomed to excessive protection find difficulty in being independent inside the nursery. Likewise, if the child is not prepared gradually for the transition from home to nursery, he may suffer from shock from the sudden change.
The role of the environment inside the nursery
The environment itself has a big influence:
- · Overcrowded classes, lack of individual attention,
- · Lack of enjoyable activities may make the child averse.
- · The way the caregiver deals with him or not forming friendships can leave a negative impact and make the child not like going.
Social and familial factors
- · Family disputes or the absence of a fixed routine at home may increase the child's stress.
- · Also, the child imitating the refusal of one of his siblings for nursery or him hearing negative comments from the family about school may reinforce this behavior.
The consequences of the child's refusal of nursery
The continuation of the child's refusal of nursery may lead to:
- · Delay in forming social skills.
- · Weak interaction with peers.
- · Delay in early educational development.
- · It increases the child's excessive attachment to family and makes it difficult for him to gradually move towards independence.
The role of parents in overcoming the problem
Parents have a fundamental role in helping the child overcome this stage:
- · Gradualism in separation.
- · Speaking positively about the nursery.
- · Accustoming the child to a fixed morning routine.
- · Communicating with the caregiver to follow up on the child inside the nursery gives parents greater confidence and helps reassure the child.
Strategies to make the child love the nursery
Among the most important methods:
- · Taking the child to visit the nursery before the start of studies.
- · Introducing him to the caregiver, and leaving him for short periods that gradually increase.
- · Involving the child in choosing his bag or his school tools makes him more enthusiastic.
- · Also, rewarding him when going to the nursery reinforces his positive behavior.
Summary of the reasons for the child's refusal to go to nursery
A child's refusal to go to nursery is not a serious problem most of the time, but rather a natural stage in his psychological and social growth. However, the correct dealing of the parents with the matter,
in cooperation with the caregiver, contributes to reducing stress and helps the child adapt gradually. A positive and supportive environment inside the nursery makes it a beloved place for the child, which makes it easier for him to enter the next educational stage with confidence and comfort.