Just wanted to see what other moms thought... My son is five, and his first day of Kindergarten is this Thursday. He is going to be in a special ed class with seven other children in the class. He is going to a new school and has barely knows his knew teachers. Since he is in special ed, he will be riding a small bus to school and his teachers will be there on the first day to get him off the bus and bring him to the classroom. I am having a hard time swallowing the idea of putting him on a school bus and sending him to a new school to let the teachers, he really barely knows, take him off the bus. I really want to drive him to school the first day, walk him to his classroom and just see for myself that he is fine. The teachers really want him to take the bus the first day, and they will meet him at school to bring him to the classroom. I will be balling if I let him take the bus, but would it be better for him. I am feeling very nervous about the bus on the first day!! What would you do?? Should I let him take the bus or drive him on the first day. FYI, he has tasken a bus to preschool for the past two years.
One of my friends felt the same way as you. She held it all together when her daughter got on the bus, then she followed the bus to school (not too closely) so that she could see for herself that it all worked out fine. I agree with another poster -- wait until they go to college! This parenting stuff never gets easier. Just different challenges every year!
Since he is used to the bus and his teachers would also prefer it, let him go. If he starts off doing that, he won't have to transition to it later.
Karen-The first day of school is very difficult. However we have always had a tradition in our family making a very big deal out of the first day. We do take and pick up our children from school, go in and see the classrooms and meet the teachers so there is no "grey" area. Our children see us meeting the teachers, exchanging pleasantries, etcc...he is only 5. Five year old boys are still young children and NEED the support of mom and dad. So-in my opinion-the first and last day are like a bit of a fun filled happy event. That is what you need to do no matter which decision you make. The bus will become a routine.
T.
I know, its so hard these first time experiences for both the child and the parents too! Wait until they go to college!!! but my advice applies to parents with both young and older children. As I tell my parents, the more together and less emotional you are, the better role model you will be for your child. You want him to feel safe and secure and happy with this experience. Please do not let him see you cry. This is going to cause him a lot of anxiety about leaving. If he senses you are sad and unsure about him taking the bus, these insecurities may transfer to him. if the teachers are recommending him to take the bus and get this routine started this way, I would take their advice. Plus he has been on a bus before so that should help a lot. Save the tears for after the bus gets around the corner. You can do it!! keep you chin up!! Maybe send a note with him the first day and ask his teachers for feedback on how he did. This should reassure you about how he did.
