Okay, getting the kids ready for school...

[John Smith1]

Some of you may know I'm a single Dad. Well, this is the WORSE time of the year for me... the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL is Monday!

My son is 7, he's going to the 2nd grade and my daughter, 3 and she's going to a new daycare. We did the Walmart thing is past weekend, but the hard part is coming.

Last year went very well for my son, but he is a shy little guy and it's so hard wondering if he'll be okay. My daughter is easy, she just makes everyone her friend right off. I know I shouldn't worry about them but I guess this is natural.

There is NO WAY I can let anyone in my family know that I'm feeling this way. I guess that's why I'm telling you guys. I sometimes think some people are just waiting for me to fail.

Just wondering if this gets any easier as they grow older?

 

[Beauty]

Wish I could say it got easier, but it doesn't. John-Cole starts 5th grade tomorrow....a whole new year of girlfriends (which started last year) I swear we didn't start this early....its amazing they are on the phone with each other already. They are also going to start switching classes this year....5th grade! I personally don't think they are old enough for that but I'm not a teacher. I guess we will just always worry about them but just be there for them if they need us. Good luck to your two little ones...and their dad!

 

[browneyes]

Today was my kids first day of school. My son is shy also (he's 6, my dd is 9). Last year I was petrified! This year he did real well. And my dd didn't need me to walk her to her class (1st year she's been brave enough to go alone). So, yes, it does get easier the older they get.

Good luck to you.

I didn't know you were a single dad.

Beth, Sara has 2 boys in her class that she's called her boyfriend. Today she told me she decided she only called one of them her boyfriend now. 9 years old and she's had more boyfriends than I've had. LOL! Dakota has his fiancee in his class again. She sits right behind him. I hope she's keeping him in line.

 

[debster812]

JS1,

It gets easier for them, not so much for us.

My DS is 5YO and he is staying at his daycare for full day PrivateK because the thought of him riding 3 different busses a day to get him to before school, Kindergarten, and after school care was just too much for me.

The fact that you are this worried says it all. You are doing great and keep up the good work.

Debbie

 

[Pooh93]

You are not going to fail! My parents divorced when I was 8 and I lived with my dad. I am now 40 and turned out fine (IMO )Single dad's were really unheard of in those days!! Anyways....regarding the worrying thing...I don't think it will ever stop! I worry about my dd's if they are happy, sad, sleeping too much, sleeping not enough. Well you get the picture.

debster is right. They are very resilient and seem to take things in stride. It's us parents that are a wreck!


Come ask parenting questions anytime. There are many of us that can always put in their .02! All kidding aside, it always helps to read about parents that are dealing with some of the same issues I am! Makes me feel "normal."

 

[allicat]

I can tell you are a caring Dad just from your post! I dont think parents ever stop worrying about their babies- no matter what age they are!

 

[Serena]

John Smith, there is nothing I like more than a daddy that loves and cares for his kids. I find it very appealing.

The worrying never goes away. If it's not one thing, it's another. They have things they worry about too. My youngest was terrified that she wouldn't do well this year. She was worried she wasn't smart enough. I tried to tell her that since she's been on high honor roll for the last two years straight, that she didn't have to worry, but it didn't help.

My oldest is worried about the same things. What she wears, will she make friends, will she be smart enough, etc, etc.

Each year I feel the loss. It's one year closer to them being all grown up. I don't have to comfort them, they are holding me telling me "it'll be alright". lol

 

[RuthAnne123]

You are going to do just fine! I also have a shy son who just turned 13. I think I used to worry about him more than the other kids until a wonderful teacher said this to me......." Being shy is not a character flaw even if some people seem to think so.....every child is not going to be a politician. Your son is kind,well liked and a good student." I came to appreciate his quiet ways and worry less after that! And do you know what? It seems like everyone else must too because he's changed schools twice and he's made plenty of friends!

With a caring parent like you are I'm sure your quiet one will do just wonderfully too.


Rooth

 

[Lars624]

Every parent has worries and concerns about how their child will do in school. You want so much to help them and protect them from anything that can hurt them but you can't follow them to school and you feel helpless when you just have to put them on a bus or drop them off all by themselves. My youngest DS is starting 1st grade this year & he is a little nervous about it so I am feeling nervous too. My twins start 8th grade this year & there are many more things to worry about at that age but I know that they have a good foundation & that they know they can always come talk to me so they'll do fine. Everything you are feeling is natural and just shows that you're a good Dad.

 

[tnkrbell]

Sounds like you have NOTHING to worry about!! You sound like a very carring father and that is the best thing you can do for your kids!!

 

[Kelsie]

My daughter has attended the same school for 3 years, she starts 2nd grade at a NEW school on the 19th. I changed because it is just a better school. I have second guessed myself a hundred times. She is a little scared and is going to miss her friends. I know she will be fine but I still feel her fears and wonder if I'm doing the right thing

We can only do our best for our children, if we do that, they will be just fine

 

[John Smith1]

I just got back to this and I want to thank all of you kind ladies for comfort!

I realize now that I'm not crazy and that it doesn't just go away. I see that in my own Mom!

I guess the reason I'm not real comfortable is because I just moved intown and the kids are starting at new schools. Like you, Kelsie, I have second guessed that over and over. My son takes awhile to warm up to people and he had just gotten used to his friends, and BAM, I move him.

I have to stop beating myself up over this!

Pooh93, thanks for telling me about your Dad. Needless to say I don't know anyone doing what I'm doing. It's good to hear that he succeeded. If he succeeded in YOUR eyes, that's really all that matters.

Again, thanks. That's why I'm glad I found this board again.

 

[tc]

John, my girls are both college age, one in college and one taking the year off. I will send my oldest back to school next Thursday, and I am already dreading it (she's 21!) You never stop worrying about them. But, you seem to really care about both your kids and that's what counts. Just be there for them, talk to them (and listen mostly) and you'll do fine!

 

[John Smith1]

Originally posted by tc
John, my girls are both college age, one in college and one taking the year off.

So, tc, I assume that the picture is of one of your girls?