Andy had a great day with school yesterday. No tears- no hesitation. His teacher emailed me and said he was happier and talking more. A friend of mine who is a teacher there, told me he even found his classroom by himself. Things were looking up!!! Today, totally different kid. I had to peel him off of me so he'd get dressed. He got up and put on his regular clothes so he didnt have to go to school (he wears a uniform to school). I told him they needed to be changed anyway since he was wearing shorts and a t-shirt and its colder out today. I tried and tried to be patient and understanding...give him ideas, things to make him want to go to school. I even told him there was something in his backpack that he needed to give to his teacher so I can go into his room and volunteer. Nope. No interest there. He just didnt want to go. So, then I had to get a little stern with him because we had to leave. I had to try to get him to eat breakfast, change his clothes, get 5 pairs of little shoes on 5 kids who cant do it by themselves, get the stroller set up and walk 2 blocks in about 7 minutes to catch the bus. I was a little frusterated and felt really bad by this point, but just said that he had to go. We had no choice and that it will get better. Short and sweet- and that is what I left it at...by the time I was getting shoes on the little kids, I asked if he was done with his oatmeal. He cheerfully said, "almost!" Ok...so by ignoring the issue and telling him that this is the way it has to be...and just getting everyone else dressed- he had a total change of heart.
It was so hard to see my crying little barely 5 year old saying he just wanted to stay home with us and play and have fun at home. How could I be so mean to say, "No, you HAVE to go to school." It completely broke my heart. But I couldnt let him see that I was weak... How do you act all strong and hard core on the outside, and be just dying inside?? So do drill sergeants have to do the same thing when people are crying and saying they just cant do it anymore... I would be the most compassionate drill sergeant around :)
...and honey, that's why you're a stay at home mom and not a drill sergeant. You'd tell people to get down and do 100 push ups and then say, "you know what? I'll do them for you, never mind what I just said. I was a little bit cranky, maybe pms-y.." You're too sweet to be mean. The only reason you're making Andy go to school is because you know it's good for him and you'll know he'll love it.
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard. I know. I'm here for you!
P.S. Glad to see you posting. ;)