I am ready to be flamed for even asking this but wwyd?

[illini]

My son starts Kindergarden this fall. I decided to put him in year round school partially because he can continue in the same daycare during off times.
I work retail and I have a sales conference July 20-24. So today I get confirmation that he is assigned to the year round school...guess when it starts July 20!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How can I miss my baby's first day of school??? I can't not go to the conference! I can't quit my job and no it is not more important to me than my son but I am a single mom and it is good money. Should I just say forget it and try to get into a school that starts at the 'normal' time? UGH!

 

[Daxx]

Oh, that just stinks!!! Is the conference local? If so, can you show up an hour or so late? Can you explain to your boss how important it is for you to be there for your child? I'd bring up your concerns to your boss ... perhaps he/she will understand!?

Good luck ... keeping my fingers crossed for you!!!

 

[illini]

I live in Illinois-the conference is in Florida. My boss knows but all mgrs are required to be there--unless there was a death in your family of course.

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

good luck with this, maybe you can drop him off and all that jazz, but have someone else pick him up and you will just show up a bit late?

 

[punkin]

I don't know why anyone would flame you. If you need to go to the conference, then you need to go. You can be there for his first day of first grade next year. You'll get over it and he probably won't even notice.

 

[illini]

His dad can take him that is no problem. My son probably won't even think it's a big deal who takes him. I think it is more for me then him!!

 

[illini]

I don't know why anyone would flame you. If you need to go to the conference, then you need to go. You can be there for his first day of first grade next year. You'll get over it and he probably won't even notice.

I love you punkin!

 

[CA Disney Fans]

You poor thing. I'm sorry to hear that you're in this predicament. Is it possible for you to miss the first day of the conference or fly in later on in the day? Before you think about getting him in a traditional calendar school, I suggest you see when they start. It's hard to find a good day care, that I would keep him in the year round school, if possible to avoid from looking for another day care provider.

 

[CA Disney Fans]

His dad can take him that is no problem. My son probably won't even think it's a big deal who takes him. I think it is more for me then him!!

Would his dad be willing to take pictures or a video for you?

 

[illini]

Would his dad be willing to take pictures or a video for you?

My asst at work suggested having my mom take video.............I feel like Lynette on Desperate Housewives-did you see that episode??

 

[illini]

You poor thing. I'm sorry to hear that you're in this predicament. Is it possible for you to miss the first day of the conference or fly in later on in the day? Before you think about getting him in a traditional calendar school, I suggest you see when they start. It's hard to find a good day care, that I would keep him in the year round school, if possible to avoid from looking for another day care provider.

The daycare he is in now is more like a preschool but they can go until they are 12. I have gone the home daycare route before and this way works out MUCH better. Another pretty big thing is the 'normal' school I would have picked is w/i walking distance from our house so that weighs in the back of my mind. The year round school though is down the street from his dads house.

 

[punkin]

Good daycare is much more important IMO. I have had so many problems with daycare, that I think if you have a good situation, then everything else (including your feelings unfortunately) becomes secondary.

 

[Keli]

I'm a sentimental, loving Mama. Big time. But even I understand that the first day of school is not nearly as important as earning a living. You're a single mom and you need your job. I would do all I could to make the first day of school special for him and I'd talk to him on the phone before and after school but I wouldn't even consider missing the conference.

 

[goofy's friends]

You have to work---so sorry I am so sentimental, but a living is more important. I also wouldn't change schools for a one-day problem. If you really think it is the best place for him, then I would stick it out. Do you have a meet the teacher day before school starts? We do. If so, make this your special day with pictures, an outing to get needed supplies, a special lunch, etc. He won't even notice the first day of school, cuz you've had your special day.

 

[challada]

I agree w/Keli... though it would be nice to be there for the first day of school, it is no where as vital as being there for the job that PAYS for the backpack for school and shoes and roof over your head and food and and and...

Remember, you ARE there with him the first day, in his heart....and will be there with him for many, many more firsts...tooth loss, first grade, homework, best friends, driving, dates, etc, etc....

Go to the conference and don't beat yourself up about it...you are doing the right thing!

 

[disykat]

To me, the first day of school was just not that big of a deal. I've seen it from both sides - teacher and mom. IMO, keeping it low key is usually easier on the kids. I don't think whether you are there on that day makes any better/worse of a mom that if you aren't. The mom drop off part of the day is a very very small part of a big day for him. The mom drop off part is generally only a huge deal for the mom - not the child IMO.

I used to teach first grade and prior to that I taught enrichment and helped with kindergarten drop off on the first day. The kids generally just ran into the room, leaving the moms to just stand there wondering where their babies went. I guess because of that experience I didn't worry much about drop off.

I think the time you'll miss most is after his first day when you're waiting to hear all about it. Arrange a special phone call so you can hear every detail!

 

[illini]

The schedule says teacher conference is on the 20th so I assume that is 'meet the teacher day' so I would miss that too. I know he will be fine with his dad it is just something I always thought I would be there for.

 

[illini]

I am going to bed!! I appreciate all the positive responses, I lurk alot and I was expecting the worst. There is a great group on here tonight! s to you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[soccerchick]

His dad can take him that is no problem. My son probably won't even think it's a big deal who takes him. I think it is more for me then him!!

It is a bigger deal for you than for him. I'm a teacher (part-time) and DD started K this year. My mom watches her when I work. I missed her first day, but grandma took pictures and her dad snuck out of work to meet her at the bus stop (she's half day ~ pm). If she'd been am, I'd have been able to see her off. When I was off the next day, we just did Mommy's first day of kindergarten. It will all be okay. DD didn't bat an eye about me missing it. Looking back now I feel a little silly that I made such a big deal about it, but I totally understand how you feel now!

 

[FreshTressa]

Have whoever does it video tape it...that way you can watch and he can know that you care.