By Peggy Gisler & Marge Eberts

Dear Teacher is a help column offering solid advice to help all parents make the educational experience of their children as successful as possible. Columnists Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts are experienced teachers, and authors of 70 textbook and advice books for parents. Both have master's degrees in education and specialist degrees in reading. They have been answering readers' questions in newspapers and magazines across the country for over 25 years. They each have children of their own and see themselves as interpreters between parents and schools as they have been on both sides. www.dearteacher.com

Unhappy Child in Preschool

Question:  "My 3-year-old son is not doing well at his current preschool. Two of his teachers are very stern and strict – not too friendly either. (I’ve visited the classroom.) My son is afraid of them and is always crying and unhappy. They don’t help him join in the activities either. The lead teacher doesn’t think he is afraid of them specifically – but of everything. She has suggested counseling. I wanted my son moved to another class, but the director refused. At a different preschool last year, the teachers were gentle, and he had no problems. Unfortunately, there is no room for him at that school. Should I keep him in this school or look for another where he’d have to adjust to a new environment? And how can I tell what kind of teachers he’ll get?" – Unhappy Child


Answer: You’ve been to this school and seen it is not right for your son. It doesn’t make any sense for him to stay and have a miserable experience. Put his name on the wait list at the previous preschool and start looking for a new preschool. Visit to make sure the teachers at a school are right for your child before enrolling him. If .you like them, chances are that he will, too.