Cut-to-the-chase answers to all of your education questions. Maureen offers advice to parents, students and educators on anything from how teachers should use the internet in the classroom to how parents should deal with a child who hates reading.

Q: My son is in pre-school and cries not when I drop him off, but when I pick him up! He screams that he doesn’t want to come home and runs and hides from me. It’s embarrassing! All the other kids run to their parents, but mine runs away. Why is he doing this and how do I get him to stop?

Don’t be embarrassed. The other parents are too busy chasing around their own 4 year olds to be judging you. Kids at this age need help with transitions. Ask the teacher to give him 5 and 2 minute warning that you’ll be arriving soon. Pre-schoolers also need clear and firm expectations. When you drop him off, remind him that when you come to pick him up you expect him to say good-bye to the teacher and then get in the car. The great thing about four year olds is that they change at the speed of light. He’ll grow out of it any minute now.