Okay...a little background. Last year our oldest son started school. We sent him to Young 5s and he was there part time, full days on Tues and Thursday. It was his first time away from home and he had a really hard time. He cried every day that I dropped him off the entire year. It was really hard. However, his teacher was wonderful and he thought the world of her. We've been really excited because he was going to have her this year as well. The Young 5s and kindergarten students are in the same room. My daughter will be in Young 5s this year so brother and sister will be together.
He was excited and getting ready to be a help to his sister. And since he already knew the teacher he was almost looking forward to school...
Well, we go to a private Catholic school. At mass this weekend my husband found out that our sons teacher is not returning and they have hired someone new...talk about a shock!! My hubby called me (I had the kids on a camping trip) and we put off telling him til vacation was over. So, we told him Sunday and he is so upset. In his mind, it's like starting all over and he does not handle change well.
Went to the school yesterday to pick up some papers. Was hoping the new teacher would be there so the kids could meet her ahead of time, but she was not! Bummer!
I actually cried when I found out because I knew how upset and disappointed my son would be. My mom told me to "get a grip" (I wanted to get a grip alright...right around her neck!). By the way...I did NOT cry around my son. I've been telling him (and his sissy) how exciting it is to get a new teacher.
Ahhh...just had to get that out...thanks for listening...Jodie
Aw, I am so sorry. Maybe he will adjust quicker than you think, since he will have his sister there.
On a side note, I went to a small Catholic school for 1-8th (we did not have a kinder there at that time). Those were some of my happiest days, and in fact I just helped put together a reunion, after 23 years! We all had such a good time that many of us are getting together for weekly coffee dates and such. Old friends are the best!
Awwww, poor little guy. Sometimes the anticipation is much worse than when it really happens, KWIM? Hopefully, when he sees all of his old friends he'll feel comfortable and it won't be so bad.
Our pre-school has a special church service the Sunday before school starts for all the preschoolers, then a little reception and picnic outside. That way, all the kids get acquainted with the teacher and each other, and the parents get to figure out what is going on. It's too bad your school doesn't do that-maybe you could suggest it for next yr. You may have to head it up, though!
Good luck. I'm sure it will be better than you anticipate.
Thanks for your words of comfort. I know he'll be fine...I just don't like to see my son disappointed. He thought the world of his teacher and was looking forward to having her this year! Unfortunately, he only has a few friends coming back. The Young 5 program at our school is the only one that's part time in our area, so a lot of parents send their kids there for a year and then off to the public school. That's okay, though. His BF is coming back and one of the boys he played t-ball with starts this year...plus the little girl he likes...he'll be fine! And he's matured a lot since last year, I think he'll do better this year (at least I hope).
I don't worry about his sister as much. She only has to go two days and she has her big brother with her. Plus, she's one of those who just rolls with the punches...she'll do fine (I think).
Michellenj-that's a great idea. Last year we threw a Halloween party at our house for all his classmates. I thought that would help him come out of his shell, but it didn't. Oh, well. We're having another Halloween party this year as well as a cookie decorating party at Christmas (two kids = two parties).
Lisa- my children are so blessed to be going to this school! I went to a public school and while my school was nice, it's nothing like this! Such a blessing! They offer Young5 - 8th so will be there for awhile. It's wonderful!
When my oldest son started pre-K4 here, I was a wreck (I posted about it a couple of weeks ago). This was the first time he was ever away from me, but he adapted rather quickly. But, everyday I drop him off I see kids who are crying as their parents are dropping them off. I just want to hug them all.
It's good that your son will have some friends (better than none!) coming back and his sister there too. Maybe you could give him the 'job' of showing his little sister around since he is now the 'experienced' one. Maybe it'll help keep him distracted and he won't think so much about the new teacher.
My friend's son is extremely shy - he's always been a very quiet, extremely sweet little boy. He always found it very difficult to make new friends. When she put him in kindergarten, she had a wonderful teacher who she spoke with - she told the teacher how shy and introverted her son had always been. This lady was so understanding and had such a way with kids, that her son blossomed that year he was there. He's still very shy.... but does much better at school thanks to that teacher.
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