Everyone was so encouraging when I posted about sending Dekker off to school yesterday! Thank you for all of your kind words, from experience, faith, and confidence in my son. It helped me feel more comfortable throughout the day.
I drove to the school and ran into the principal on the way in. Being that her office is right off of the K room, she was familiar with Dekker’s nerves, and she encouraged me that this is just another part of learning to be at school. I agree with her. She also said that Dekker had settled in just fine after a while, which did my heart good to hear. She started to tell me something about his day, but then stopped and assured me “He’ll tell you all about Chester.”
I continued walking the hallway and waited with the other parents for the expected time. The whole group of kindergarteners were waiting just inside the classroom door for the bell to ring. Dekker was right in the middle of the group, looking pretty relaxed, in his fall jacket, hat, and backpack. When they were released from their room, he made his way over to me leisurely. I scooped him up in a big hug, which he accepted, and lay his head tiredly on my shoulder. “Hi, mommy.”
We walked out of the school, hand in hand like always, and I tried to ask him about his day. “It was did. I did good, mommy. We played. I don’t really remember.” Would NOT tell me anything!!! We walked with Kim and her kids, and her oldest wouldn’t slow down with the stories, and Dekker just wouldn’t say a blessed thing!
Once we got to the van, I climbed in to get him all strapped in, and tried again to ask about his day. The best I got was “I’m so tired. Why did you get me up so early?” I had to laugh, as I had a terrible night the night before, and was noticeably dragging. He and I were wiped out together.
I felt like a bad mother, but when we got home, Dekker asked to watch TV, and I let him. After all of the schooling, I plunked him in front of the tv. But that kid needed a break for his brain. After an episode of Paw Patrol, I coaxed him onto my lap, and we all took a break and listened to his stories about his day. I couldn’t get too much out of him, but I did learn that Chester was the school mascot who brought cookies to the classroom. The snuggle was good, and eventually he actually asked me to tease him. So I wrestled him down to the armrest of the chair, lay on his face, and licked him.
I expected a rockier evening, if I’m being honest. I expected him to be WIPED to a point of struggling with his attitude, and potentially going to bed earlier than usual. I’m sure there will be days like that to come, but for a first day, he did AWESOME. He was fairly quiet, but perked up a decent amount after supper, which was good to see. He got upset when it was time to tidy up and call it a night, but thats not too out of the ordinary. Usually he’s a bit grumpy about it, and yesterday, he had a little cry about it. But that was it! It was SO much smoother than I was bracing myself for!
Now, today, he is home, and talking about school. I asked him if he was excited to go again tomorrow. His first reaction was a hearty “Ya!” followed by an honest, I’m still a little nervous, but I’ll get there.” I love the honesty. I figure, even if he cries again, and has a hard time again, he won’t be caught off guard. He knows whats to come, which will lift at least some of the anxiety. I have high hopes for tomorrow. Well, I might be lying. I am eagerly anticipating tomorrow, haha, and seeing how he does. You guys will be in the know 😉
I hope those of you with kids at home have been adjusting well to the new school year! I think almost everyone is starting this week, so best of luck to all of you!!