purgatory

I had heard about it. I had seen it on tv. yet until today it was only a myth widely circulated that insidiously had been feeding parents' guilt for decades. but it is true. it exists. the impetuous juvenile screaming, the rolling, the kicking, the untimely regurgitating, kindergarten unveils evil and impassioned pleas for mercy. after literally breezing into the first two days, Sean and Will have finally entered school purgatory. I tried to grapple with panic and barricade my sons with I love yous but the contamination was inevitable. I soaked up into 15 minutes of emotional plunder as enthusiasm smashed in my arms. "they will be fine" my husband says. I lean on him. I can barely say a word but I know. I know they will.

Comments

[christina]

Oh, Irene, I'm so sorry it's so miserable for them & for you...but...aain, to pull the teacher card, from experience I know they really WILL be fine. In fact, it almost always happens like that. It IS stressful for them, strange and new and overwhelming. It's so much more demanding then preschool. But just wait. In a few months time you won't be able to get them to stop talking about all the things they love and do at school.Until then, early bedtime is the best remedy (they're exhausted!!!)...and try to stay positive. It really will change again. Promise. I watch this happen every year--with kindergarteners, first graders, second graders etc. Kids hate change just as much as we do (maybe more). Big hugs!

[Steph.]

I agree with Christina. They're testing you right now too. It'll take them a few weeks, but I bet in less than a month they'll be used to that routine and loving going to school. My son even has pulled the "I don't WANT to go to school" thing a few days on me and he's 6. I just said, "You're going" and there was no battle. Don't let them see you get emotional about leaving them and they'll soon learn this is how it is and they'll embrace it each day. I promise! Hang in there!

[Lucinda]

I am so sorry. I know the anxiety you must have right now. You grow so accustomed to being the one who makes everything right for your boys, the rock they can lean on- and in this situation you must feel pretty helpless. I hope it is some comfort to know that you are far from alone--

[solistella]

I know this is slightly spammish, but I'm hoping these links will encourage as many people as possible to help my neighbors on the Gulf.

http://givingworks.ebay.com
Buy or sell an eBay item through Giving Works

http://www.katrinahousing.org
Offer up housing space for survivors through Katrina Housing

http://www.redcross.org
Make a donation to the Red Cross

http://www.fema.org
Make a donation to FEMA

[blackbird]

my dear, the tantrums, the vomitting even, is manipulation.
I'm sorry if it makes me seem unkind -- but they do it for YOU,
for your reaction. and you must have NONE of it.
take shelter in the arms of your husband for they are strong.
and so are you.

[irene]

just to clarify one thing, Sean and Will did not cry or yell or vomit. the other 20 children in the classroom did, dazing us with stupefaction and striking us with senseless fear. Sean and Will still have a hard time saying goodbye in the morning, but they're doing good. thank you all for your concern and kind messages.

[blackbird]

Well.
That is a whole nother kettle of fish.
Sometimes I am very literal.

[KB]

it always seems to be the second week or so that they really get it, and don't want any part of it. By the fourth week it's usually all good.

Best wishes and don't forget, it just takes time for everyone to adjust.