Big Boy School

Yesterday was a big day in our lives...Dom's first day of pre-school! Woo hooo!! I was a nervous wreck of course, worried that he’d feel abandoned all over again and have a hard time adjusting. When we walked up, he was a little unsure of the unfamiliar surroundings. He clutched his hand a little tighter when we walked into the classroom and met Ms. Caroleena, one of his teachers. It was such an inviting environment with music playing and a few kids scattered around the room. I explained to Ms. Caroleena that Dom does much better with some affection so she opened up her arms and gave him a big hug. I loved that. There are some schools where you can’t do that anymore for fear of “crossing a boundary” but my son needs that kind of emotional openness. It calms his fears and makes him feel no so scared.

Once he was securely in Ms. Caroleena’s arms, Rob and I said our goodbyes and headed out the door. One thing I have learned is not to linger too long. If you hang out too long, and then try to leave, it’s extremely difficult on the kid. We made a quick get-a-way into the hallway and waited to see if he started crying. Luckily, the only tears were my own. Rob asked if I was ok, put his arm around me and then I just couldn’t help it. Once me head touched his shoulder, I did break down a little bit. I was just so worried that he would be scared and think we just left him there. We hung around for about 10 mins and then his teacher popped her head out into the hallway to let us know he was just fine and was doing a puzzle. Phew! What a relief!

At about 1pm, I called the school just to check on him. I was worried about him eating his lunch that I packed for him (he’s never had a packed lunch before) and taking his nap in a strange place. Thankfully I was told he was doing great. He ate all his lunch (victory!) and was taking his nap right at that moment. I had packed his new toy story blanket from home, so hopefully that was comforting to him.

I arrived back at the school at 4:45pm to pick him up. I crept into his classroom and there he was, sitting in circle time with the other kids. They were singing a song and having fun. When he saw me, he broke out into a big smile and said “hi Mommy!” His teacher showed me the pages he had colored and said that he was a very good boy, very well behaved and rather quiet. I had to laugh because my kid, quiet? Ha! But I know once he warms up and gets to know everyone he’ll be more himself.

On the way home Dom couldn’t take fast enough about his day. “Mommy, I ate all my lunch! And I took my nap! And I did a puzzle! And I met new friends!” I can’t describe the relief that washed over me at that moment. He likes pre-school! YES!!! He had an awesome time and was extra hyper the rest of the day. I’m so proud of him for making such a big adjustment with such ease. Hopefully his enthusiasm continues today and from here on out.