Some difficult days with Joey recently.  He seems to be getting increasingly nervous and fearful as school approaches (first day - 5 September), no matter how much we try and reassure him.  Ryan, his 'arch-nemesis' will not be there.  He will be the oldest in the class. Etc etc.  But he is still almost looking to fail, as if that would be preferable to really trying.  Why does he seem to choose these paths so often. It is worrying.  And it is expressing itself in his behaviour.  Worrying.