Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums General Discussion Help with anxiety?

I could use suggestions on how to deal with anxiety in a 3 yr old. She started her new school this month and was doing well ... really enjoyed it until another child bit her on her nose. We now deal with clingy crying DD who doesn't want to be left because she is afraid the little girl will do it again.

A little background: She had to start in the 'baby' class because she wasn't potty trained but she is now and will be moved into the big kid's class starting this next month so today is her last day in the baby class due to the holiday this week.

I have tried every angle I could think of:
- telling her she didn't have to play with the little girl and that the teacher would be sure she didn't get near her. Having the teacher reassure her that was the case.
- after last weeks class of a bad day where DD cried the whole time and pushed and hit some kids ... talking about how everyone has bad days and perhaps the little girl had a bad day too. Just because she bit you doesn't mean she is bad. DD isn't bad just because she hit or pushed ... she agreed with all of it but still cling to me and cried about not wanting to stay. She understands today is her last day in that class but still won't let go of the anxiety over all of it.
- Last Tuesday she woke up at 3 am and came down to my bed to inform me that she had a bad dream about a bee. It didn't take a genius to figure out she was upset about going back to school that morning.
- And last night I tried to bribe the kid to have a good day which backfired. Not shocking.

So any suggestions on what we can do to get her over her anxiety?

I see this was yesterday. My advice would have been to simply skip the last day before the break and start her in the new class.

Have you spoken with her teacher about your concerns?

I'm glad I didn't skip yesterday though I thought about it. After dropping her off and watching her have a complete meltdown (which I was sure to last for the rest of the day as it did the last time) I was surprised to find a happy excited child when I came to pick her up. The teacher informed me that she stopped crying after I left and was back to her normal self. This really sets the stage for next week when she moves into the big kid's class.

She might have a little anxiety over it but I don't think it will be near as bad as this past few weeks.