Wednesday, October 01, 2008

School Days

The Monday before the hurricane Steven started his first day of "school."  That's what we call it anyway.  He is going two days a week to a "development program" at a local church (similar to Mother's Day Out) mostly for his own social and educational benefit but I don't mind a little time "off" either.  =)  I tried to take pictures of him with his backpack but he did not want to get close to it that morning and would not put Frank down.  He loves his backpack now but still refuses to wear or carry it.  

It has been a little rough transitioning into school.  He went twice before the hurricane and then missed three school days while everyone (including us and the church) was waiting for power to come back on.  So by the time he went back, it was like the first day all over again.  His teachers tell me he has a great time with all the kids and music and crafts, but I would hardly know it from what I see.  He panicks as soon as we drive into the parking lot and screams "mommy" until I pry him out of my arms to hand him over to his teacher.  It is a traumatic experience for both of us; however, they tell me that he's fine shortly after I leave.  

He is always fine when I pick him up although he asks "mommy too" for the rest of the day checking to make sure that I'm still going to be with him.  I'm trying to stay focused that it's going to be a long term adjustment and that this is fairly normal so we need to stick it out a little longer and I'm sure he'll look forward to it.  He's been bringing me his shoes and asking to go out at 8:30 am all summer so we felt it was a good time for him to have a more structured activity with other kids.  And as you can imagine I have had no problem finding stuff to do while he is away and I find that the times flies and I never get all I want do done before I need to pick him up.  He is such a big boy but still a baby in so many ways. 


6 comments:

~the ten of us~ said...

He is so cute and looks so grown up with his backpack and ready for school. I bet he is having lots of fun.

Kristin F Johnston said...

Great pics with the backpack. It's taking Kate a long time to get adjusted this year, too...I hope it gets better soon!

Jenn said...

He'll be fine. We had the adjustment period (again) when I went back to school/work this fall and T went back to full-time daycare. It was hard the first few weeks but now he arrives with a running hug to our daycare provider. :) Just be patient and pray. The structure is SO good for them!

Blogahon said...

We had to start all over after the hurricane, too. Hattie reacts the same way when I drop her off, though she's gone in a few days without tears but not since the hurricane.

It's an adjustment.

Funny he won't wear his backpack. Oh, the things these toddler just decide they will not do. We have some of those, too......

Anonymous said...

Funny; that's the exact same backpack that Lily wanted to get for herself. Mommy said "No."

Hooked on Fishing said...

I never went to a preschool, but I remember kindergarden... and I cried... it was my first time away from mom and I was not pleased... I still cry when I have to leave by myself, but I blame that on my not going to preschool... so your doing the right thing by sending him. *smile*