Pixie Dust for my 1st grader

[Val]

My middle two kids started school today (oldest DD started high school yesterday, my youngest DD starts K tomorrow).....my 5th grade DD went just fine. She is very excited and eager to see all her friends. My first grade son was HYSTERICAL...sobbed through asssembly and as I left him in his classroom he tried to chase after me and I could hear him sobbing for "Momma"......he is new to the elementary school this year (went to co-op K). It is a VERY large Catholic school and his is completely discombobulated (is that a word?).......

......he needs a little dose of pixie dust right now- and I guess I do too! If you think about it, it is awfully hard to be 6 and left alone with 600 other "strangers" while your mom walks away like there is nothing wrong! I am sure he will be okay (well, maybe by high school), but it was one of the hardest days of MY life!

 

[dizneenut]

Poor little guy! PD on the way!! I hope he ends up having a good day.

 

[RitaZ.]

{{hugs}}

I hope that he ends up having a great day!

 

[browneyes]

Poor little guy. {{hugs}} and **pd** to both of you.

My son is a 1st grader this year too. His school is small though. There were only 71 1st graders the first day. There MIGHT be 600 kids there from Pre-K to 5th.

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

I am sure he settled in just fine. I have seen it all when parents drop their kids off for school.....

IMO the best medicine is a big reassuring hug and a promise that you will promptly pick them up (or meet the bus, whatever) at the end of the day. Sounds like you handled it perfectly, difficult as it was.

 

[JerseyJanice]

My DS cried every morning last year until almost Thanksgiving.

I swear he did it to punish me.

 

[Tiger Fan]

Oh Val, my heart goes out to you and your little one. My 5 year old DD started Kindergarten a couple of weeks ago and I was more nervous than she. Things went well, but there were several kids upset that are now just happy as can be each morning. Good luck.

Lisa

 

[Val]

Well, talked to the teacher after school.....Mac cried for about 20 minutes after I left. The teacher said she waited for him to do "something positive" and then jumped on this to reward him. She used his box of snacks for the first snack.....he came out all smiles (claimed no one liked him/played with him, then proceeded to tell me all the things he did and who he played with at recess)......sounds like it was a successful day afterall.........

......and now for kindergarten orientation for my youngest tomorrow. How come these kinds of "experiences" ARE NOT listed in the child development textbooks?


Thanks for all your kind words. I was a basket case at work (thank God my grad students weren't around much today). Your positive thoughts and shared experiences really, really helped.

 

[nativetxn]

Awww. {{{HUGS}}} for you and your ds. I hope tomorrow is easier for him.

 

[Serena]

{{{hugs}}}

 

[Saffron]

Awww. I'm sure it was tough for both of you! I'm so glad he had a great day! I hope tomorrow is just as successful with your littlest one. I'm sure it will be.

 

[janette]

Transitions are rough. Sounds like the teacher handled it well, he'll be eager to go in no time.

 

[shortbun]

Gosh, I feel sorry for your son. I'm one of those
parents who transitions their child. I get to
know the teacher, get to know the kids, allow
ds to do the same-then I leave. I tell him ahead
of time that I'm doing this. IMHO, any school that
doesn't allow this type of parenting, has something
to hide and doesn't get my child. Thankfully, the school
we chose for ds is full of parents like us and the
teachers revel in the parental support and the close
community it creates. Our school is public but it is chosen
to highlight in local, regional and national publications
and documentaries.
I don't believe children this age are emotionally
developed enough to "tough it out" nor are the
teachers emotionally equipped to handle each
young child's issues. we've already visited school this
year-walked around, walked in the new room and
talked to ds's teacher. There was also a picnic with
the class last weekend so most kids have met and
played together.
many were in the same class last year but in K.
School starts September 3rd.
My son is 7 and although very shy, he is really
beginning to look into the eyes of grownups, make
himself heard and speak up for what he needs all
by himself. I think this is because he doesn't have
mountains of unnecessary stress to deal with. This is
not a flame-merely my thoughts on transitioning
a child who is afraid in new environments.

Glad your ds's day had some positives. Good luck with
kindergarten tomorrow! Can dh go along so you don't
have to run from ds's class to be in the K room with dd

 

[Boots]

Hope his dad got better as it went on. {{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}

 

[Dan Murphy]

Sounds pretty good already, Val. He'll be great!!!! {Hugs} for you both.

 

[Tinkbell]

I teach first grade and there are always a few teary eyed students on the first day. They get over it pretty quick though. Best thing to do is reassure them that you'll see them later, give a hug and a kiss and be on your way. The parents that linger too long due to the tears usually make the separation harder. You did a great job and I'm so glad to hear that his day went smooth.

 

[Lars624]

**PD** to you & your DS.......I know what you're going through my DS 6 starts on Tuesday but his orientation was today.

 

[Mishetta]

I guess I'm very thankful that my son is the type to say "later Mom!" and be on his way! He's very independent & not shy in the least. He actually approaches the kids that are crying & introduces himself to them. He's either going to be a counselor or a politician...don't you think? He's been doing that since Begindergarten (Pre-k)!

Lots of PD to all Mom's out there going through this with their little ones!!

 

[C.Ann]

Oh my.. Did you HAVE to say he was crying and calling out for you?? That just about tore my heart out..

I'm sure you'll both be fine but I'm sending a truck load of PD anyhow..

Hugs for both of you..
C.Ann

 

[disykat]

That must have been hard for you! I used to teach first grade, so when my oldest did that I knew that reassuring him and leaving him was the best way to go. When he was in preschool I would stay with him and gradually leave, but as they get older their independence kicks in a lot easier without mom in the room!