Question
My daughter is 3 years and 9 months old, in her third semester at preschool. She never goes to school on her own and has cried every day before school. After the teacher’s suggestion, she receives extra rewards for going to school without a fuss, and she hasn’t cried recently. However, she doesn’t do exercises, sing, or dance at school; she mostly stands there and watches others from start to finish. She is the most unusual in the class, not moving an inch. This child is particularly shy and afraid of strangers. Does she have a psychological issue, and how should I stabilize this situation?
Answer
After reading the description, I first assume that the child does not have any psychological issues. She is just starting her first year of preschool and every child has their own characteristics. It proves that your little one is good at observing carefully and does not act recklessly in unfamiliar places. This situation may be related to her growth environment; perhaps you are too strict with her at home, or one of the parents is too dominant, causing this behavior. Please don’t worry; as she becomes familiar with the preschool environment, it will gradually improve.