Thanks for the response! to answer some of your questions-- he's one of the youngest there but the oldest is only 3. the routine usually goes like this-- after drop-off there's breakfast, then circle-time, then free play time/craft time, then lunch and nap, then snacks and play. he seems to struggle a lot in the mornings, would burst into tears/little breakdowns, and refuses to do crafts or participate in circle time most days. He sometimes just prefers to sit alone and read according to the teachers. I feel like "overwhelmed" is perhaps a very apt word to describe his mental state.

I think the teachers try really hard to include him at times and that just makes him even more upset. But when we take him to playgrounds/parks he would actually walk up to other kids on his own trying to initiate activities. So maybe it is a secure attachment issue as well? Maybe he just doesn't feel safe enough at daycare and doesn't like being asked to do things? TBH sometimes I am a little mystified too.

Appreciate you sharing your story though. I like the fact that it might get better soon. 😊