Toby's School Transition

Do I really have to go in, Mommy? Can't I just stand here and clutch this rail?

Deep breaths.

Days 1 and 2 of school went great. Then Toby must have decided he was over it. 

We've had lots of quivering bottom lips and, "No, Mommy! No, Mommy!" as he clutches my legs or grabs my hand if I attempt to leave him.

Not to mention the anxiety throw up and uh, poop issues.

He's only come home in the same clothes he started in... once. They've gone ahead and asked me to keep TWO extra sets of clothes at school just in case.

Add to that the inevitable new school, new germs cold he caught and school is officially not fun.

Today begins week 3. 

It can't help that he starts off in the cafeteria. An insanely loud, seemingly totally unregulated room of chaos that gives ME a headache after 5 minutes. As I said to his teacher, "It is a Fragile X nightmare." To which she smiled and said, "I guess I've gotten used to it." I have learned that if we go a little late then some of the classes have left and it's not as bad. Also, that means less time in the cafeteria.  But, if I walk him all the way in, then I inevitably end up staying for some or all of his lunch before I can break away. I think I've only managed to send him in from oustide as I'm supposed to... twice.

I've come to realize that Toby being in preschool gives me zero extra "free" time from what I had before. The only difference being that instead of being confined to the house while he took his one-hour, non-nap, I am free to run errands or book an appointment. Oh well. I'd rather he be comfortable and if that means more of my time spent helping his transition so be it. Thankfully I am in a position where this is an option.

But pray for both of us. It's hard on him and it's hard on me watching him go through something that's hard on him. Last week, with his cold, was a particularly un-fun week. AND, on top of Toby's transition issues, we've had some Kaden behavior issues. Gotta love that call from the Vice Principal to report on your son's behavior in the cafeteria the one day you manage not to go in.

Yup, that's right. We had a week where ALL my parenting worries were targeted at Kaden and Toby and not Blue.

Pigs are flying. Be careful.  

One minute you think you've got a handle on this parenting thing and life is good then the next minute your four-year-old starts peeing on the carpet and furniture on purpose. That four-year-old turns five, mellows back out, life is good again, and then suddenly your eight-year-old is exhibiting behaviors at school that has you threatening homeschool (something you swore you'd NEVER do) and looking into local private Christian schools. 

Oy. 

Back to Toby.

I've pretty much decided that I'm giving it through this week before I give up on the cafeteria idea and start his school day once they are done with lunch and go back to the classroom.  Once he gets in his classroom, he's always happy and participatory.  

Ready or not, in less than an hour we'll be rolling out to see what week three brings. I'll be dwelling on Romans 15:13 as I go, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

After last week, I'm especially needing that fill-up on this Monday.

Comments

[stephanie]

Hey Faydra - sorry to hear Toby is having a hard time transitioning. It's hard to watch our kids go through hard times. I loved your quote. I do pray that over you.