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

[CA Disney Fans]

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

I did. But you wouldn't have the live feed? Or will you?

 

[Pam]

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

That was my first thought!

Have someone take tons of photos and videos! Your son knows you love him and would be there at school if you could..... but keeping your job is a priority.

Now stop being so hard on yourself and go eat some chocolate and hug your son!!

 

[mickeyfan2]

The best decision for your family is to put him in the school, go to the conference and then the first day you are back do the "first day of school" ritual.

 

[Christine]

I am a working mom and I have never been to "the first day of school" for either of my kids. And I could have. Our school systems ask that we not make a big deal out of the first day of school. It is chaotic enough as it is and I think the teachers find it very disruptive. So, I've always done what the asked and my kids never had anything bad to say like "you were the only one not there, boo hoo." Really, it is not a big deal. Just go and do what you need to do. You are a single mom and having a job and supporting your child is VERY important.

 

[mickeyboat]

I agree with everyone else. It really is more of an event for you than it is for your son. My girls started K this year, and I don't even think they noticed who was there to drop them off. They would have been just as happy to have ridden the bus. The school doesn't make a big deal about it, so I just helped them put their stuff in their cubby, looked around the room awkwardly, and left.

I think it would also be really nice for your DH to do the first day of school ritual.

Now if you said you were missing your son's major surgery for work, I might flame you. But missing the first day of school, no. Good luck at your conference.

Denae

 

[golfgal]

Maybe you will get lucky and the kindergarten will start a week later then the rest of the school like ours does. Tell him you will bring him a present from Florida and all will be well with him.

Most kindergartens DON'T want parents around the first few days although they let the parents be there. It is easier for the kids if the parents aren't around, even if they aren't your parents.

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

Let his dad take him on the first day. Don't make a big deal about it to him or he may get upset. Let him know that you have to go out of town for work and that daddy will be with him for the first day. When you get back you can take pictures and video on "your" first day bringing him to school. When he is older and you look back at the old videos you will not even remember it wasn't his official first day.

 

[horseshowmom]

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.

This would be my perspective too.

BTW, it doesn't get any better as they get older. Last June DD had freshman orientation at her university. They were supposed to bring one parent with them. I had just returned to working in administration. Wouldn't you know that I had to attend a conference 8 hours away on that same weekend. To make it worse, DH (as Lead Teacher for his school) had to attend the same conference. DD had to go by herself. I felt really, really bad, but she made it okay, and we all lived through it.

 

[CEDmom]

My mom did so much for us growing up but one of my most vivid memories is my Dad chaparoning a 1st grade class trip.

What's my point? Try to make this a special event for your DS and his Dad. Don't bring up that Dad is taking him because you can't - instead make it look like that was the plan all along and it just so happens you'll be working that day anyway. Have someone take pictures and video. Maybe even let him pick out a treat for his lunch box and slip in a note saying you love him and are proud of him.

As everyone else said it's a much bigger deal for you than him. Good luck.

 

[ElizaB39]

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.

Excellent idea, and we also had a practice bus ride day, so that could also be an option for the two of you to have a special time together.

 

[NMAmy]

The mom drop off part is generally only a huge deal for the mom - not the child IMO.

This is SO true. DD had a fantastic teacher in kindergarten--she'd been doing it for 20 years and knew exactly how to handle it. There was a special area outside the building at the K room. She came out the door, had the kids line up, and POOF, they were gone. It was very anticlimactic and over with so quickly. No crying from any of the kids OR the parents. DD would never have noticed if I was there or not.

Have a special phone call after school with your son so he can tell you all about it. You'll have plenty of time to see the school and meet the teacher. It'll be ok, really. Sometimes kids just have to understand that a job is an obligation.