I am so sorry,I'm no expert but that sounds normal to me.I don't think the kids will notice,try to keep the shirts lightweight So he has been to counseling?Was the teacher prosecuted?Does the new school know what happened?

Oh my so sorry! My daughter wears long sleeve and pants too insist. Doesn't matter how hot.

I do feel like it has to do with the abuse although we are a few years past that.

Did counseling help? I'm sure that this transition may require more assistance. Therapy is a helpful tool.

Welcome to the support here we've all are working or worked through many things related to the abuse. So keep asking questions and getting answers.

My little guy, then 4-5 years old, went through this same type of issue and still presents with this quirk if his anxiety is higher than normal, sort of. Let me explain...he refused/es to wear pants because it "felt like someone holding his legs" and he more than vigilantly tucked his shirt in all day long back in the day. It was his way of feeling like he was protecting his body. He doesn't tuck his shirt in most of the time now, but the whole wearing shorts thing, it's still a weekly battle & it's been 3 years since disclosures, i.e. this type of behavior, began. The best advice I can give you is say these two words to your child as often as you can: "YOU'RE SAFE." The more he hears it, the more it will re-program their brain to remember that the abuse is PAST & now is SAFE. It will take lots of time but don't discourage him from doing what he feels needs to be done to "protect" himself. And also, have him journal out WHY he must wear these clothes...I'm sure it will bring up great content for him to work through with his new therapist!

Hugs.

I do not have this specific issue but am "putting myself in your shoes".

I would line up a counselor ASAP because they are trained in giving my child the help he needs.

I would take every opportunity to praise my baby for using his voice to speak up for himself. This is something I do because for so long my kids' voices had been taken away. Now I take every chance to say thank you for telling me, or good job speaking up, or even reminding them, you have a voice, use it, even if I can read their body language or they nod or shake their heads.

I would explore different clothing articles. For example, (and I/m sorry if this is a trigger) maybe trying athletic underwear instead of regular. Like the longer tighter fitting kind. Over a pair of regular underwear. An extra layer that can not be seen. And undershirts. I would try "I understand you feel safe in all these clothes buddy but mommy is worried you will get to warm, can we try this?"

I have no idea what you have and have not tried but I know you are doing everything you can. Being a parent of an abused child is a very difficult job.

Please keep reaching out to us for ideas and support. We are all in it together.

Also remember, going to Kindergarten in and of itself is probably a trigger. This issue might get better in 1st grade. <3

Ugh, my heart is breaking for your little one, and you. So glad you reached out to us here. I'm so proud of your son for telling you! How much courage that must have taken for him to disclose. He needs to know he did the right thing and you are so proud of him for that. I agree with the others, this is the toughest thing to have to navigate, and you seem to be doing the right things. Get him back in counseling ASAP, maybe a child advocacy center would be really good for him at this point. My prayers go out to you and him, take good care of you too!

My deepest sympathies and support!!! I'm a teacher, and it fills me with rage to learn of abusive teachers!! School may be a trigger for your son for a long while without serious intervention and supports both in and out of the school setting.

I can only add to the above that taking care of yourself, too, should not be an afterthought, something that can slide off your too-full plate (I've moved a lot myself, so I know how it goes even without the additional concern of trauma). It is essential to focus on your own needs in equal measure, because you are your baby's rock, and you need to be as solid as you can be. So I hope you, too, will soon find yourself in therapy. You need and deserve it.