We have only been back at school for a week now and everyone
is adjusting to their new routines.
Big T is in second grade this year. So he is adjusting to being back at school all day long. As always, the first week or so they spend their time reviewing spelling, math, sentence structure, and just basically getting back into the swing of things while trying to just waking up the brain a bit. But with that wakeup comes the backlash at home.
There is the growling protest that is given every single
morning when I say “good morning sweetheart, I hope your dreams were sweet, it’s
time to wake up and start the day, new adventures awaits.” Followed by the ever so popular dragging of
the feet to get out to meet the bus on time.
When he gets home, the whining and backtalk when he’s asked
to do his homework is back in full effect.
Then there is the attitude that appears when I apparently have NO CLUE
what I’m talking about when it comes to spelling and/or math. The battles that occur over the simplest
requests (like please don’t put your sweatshirt on the floor) because he’s
spent all his energy and mental abilities being good and behaving at
school. He’s adjusting.
But apparently my little genius is still learning something
at school.
It’s only the first week and he’s already learning
something. I should be so proud
right? What mother wouldn’t? But let me tell you what he is learning has
nothing to do with academics. Nope, Big
T has learned that when a soccer ball comes at him and hits him in his boyish
area…he’s just been hit in the ‘nuggets’.
That’s my boy!!!
Sweet Pea just started pre-K. He’s adjusting to going to school for 4 days
instead of 3 and it’s 30 minutes longer each day. You can tell he’s using all his energy to do
what is expected of him in school now that he’s a lion (the name of his pre-K
class). He is excited and ready to go
each and every morning. He bounds out
the door ready to take on the day and whatever it may bring.
But by the time he gets home mommy pays the price. My sweet always-want-to-tell-you-I-love-you
angel is growling when he’s not getting his way. He’s saying things like “frustrated” and “SO
MAD” because his bread on his sandwich is too soft (WTF?) or if it is time for
his quiet time. He too is adjusting. I’m choosing to look at these verbal
explosions in a positive way. At least
he is using his words…right?
Buggy is adjusting to having his mommy all to himself for a
few hours every day. This is precious
time for both of us but can be good or bad depending on the day. Sometimes he is more than happy to sit and
have me read to him, or we play with toys or just sit and snuggle. Other days, he’s testing the limits on what
he can and cannot touch with a “I saw my brothers do it so can I” attitude. His general question every single day is “How
many times can I get mommy to say no?”
Adjusting.
So, while all three children are adjusting to school and
boundaries. I’m adjusting to their
adjusting and this mommy is worn out, spent and fried. But at the same time, I’m so very proud of
how they are doing. That they are giving
their all while at school but feel comfortable to let go and release at home.
So as we are figuring it all out. I’m reminded of the song that is on constant
repeat in my mind and in my life.
How are you handling the back to school adjustment
period? Is there a song that you feel is
on constant repeat in your mind?
49 comments:
The twinkies went through an "I'm so mad" phase last year. It was hard not to laugh at them!! Now their telling me about people, "not making good choices." Of course, they spend 90% of their lives "Not making good choices" but we never hear about that!
I've got a song for you, hon. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5zCaRaJ-kE&ob=av2n
It WON'T be like this for long. The bad will pass, the good will come, and we'll still love each when it's over. :) xoxo
I just love the lesson that your son learned in school about "nuggets". Priceless, right?
My son is in preschool and is doing fine, he has been with the other kids for 2 years in the childcare program. I don't really think of a song when I think of him in school, it is more of a picture. One with glue, crayons, glitter, LOTS of glitter, dirt, and bugs. lol
My 3 year old is currently saying "I mean at you Mommy" I respond with do you mean you are mad at me? Yes, I mean at you. mmmmkkkkk
By mid-October I'm ready for summer again! Ha! Are we ever really satisfied!!
Oh man that music is perfect.
Getting back on the school year schedule is hard. I find lots of coffee in the morning and wine at night to be helpful.
Enjoy the snuggles with Buggy. As much as I am ready to be done having children, there is nothing like baby love.
Daniel Powter - You had a bad day.
Mine are both so tired too. School's tough - there's no way around that. And being a shoulder to lean on and an enforcer to make sure the routine at home stays consistent isn't easy on Mama.
Bridget,
The frustration is amazing isn't it?
Yeah, my kids NEVER do anything wrong. It's ALWAYS the other guy! P-shaw.
Kim,
Thank you so much for visiting and commenting! Truely means a lot to me.
That is such a great song. It (and YOU) are so right. It won't be like this for long. By October we've got our groove going and it's so much better!
Optimistc Mom,
Yeah the "nuggets" is going into a book to later be used to embarass him in front of a girl. I envision saying something "Now leave his nuggets alone while you guys are dancing" HA!!!
Jamie,
Yes, October is usually the turning point for us as well. But for some reason, that feels EXTREMELY far off today! HA!
Christine,
I seriously hear that in my head when I'm hearding the kids out the door for school or soccer practice. HA!
I am really enjoying the quiet down time with Buggy. It's going to be gone way to soon for my liking.
Missy,
OHHH that's a great son! The fatigue is amazing isn't it!! And no, it sure isn't easy for mama to be the punching bag. But that's why we get paid the big bucks right? Well...ummm wait
Oh, yes...the adjustment.
I've got two 5th graders and a 2nd grader this year, and, knock on wood, it's going pretty well. As much as we love summer, the structure of school days and after school activities works for us.
Oh I'm sorry the adjustment has been a bit rough. I'm sure it'll even out here in a few more days. It's hard getting back in the swing of things for everyone.
Gosh I can't even imagine having to deal with so many adjustments, no wonder you're spent!
I know this. I'm still adjusting and my daughter started school 3 weeks ago. For my kid it doesn't seem to be as difficult as it is for me. These early mornings are wearing on me.
My son started last week and though he's adjusted without a problem, I'm the one still holding onto our lazy summer days. Love the lesson on nuggets! Gotta love boys!
PS - Thanks for the song. That is now on repeat in my head!
Oh we are adjusting!!! Fortunately my oldest two have gotten into the swing of things pretty easily.
Mommy and Daddy are still struggling though!
hahah! Nuggets!
Oh, these adjustment periods. Seems like when you're done adjusting to one stage the next one is on top of you. SIGH.
Maybe when they are like, 20, these phases will last a little longer? Yes?
We've been back 6 weeks already - sheesh!
It was a "first" for us in a lot of ways, but we've hit our stride.
Good luck getting settled in!
Yes! We always have an adjustment period. It took a few weeks this year it seems.
You have no idea how much I can relate to this post.
My Kindergartner is a puddle by 4pm. And if we get in the car after 3, she falls asleep every. time. She is emotional, clingy, needy, bossy, you name it.
I keep thinking that this is just transition. The medicine? Love and rest. For both of us.
I feel your pain! :) My 3rd grader is doing the same thing. Luckily right now all we have had to do is read 20 minutes (which btw, you would think is torture). I hate to see when the spelling arrives next week on top of the reading.
Emily has had homework almost every day too...and she has to get up at 6:30. That's what is killing this mom since she is not a morning girl! :)
Just know you are not alone! :)
I know what you mean about them wasting all their "being good" at school. Hubs can hardly stand the crazy sillies that come home with the twins each day. They are in separate classes at school so when the meet back up in the mom mobile (they'd never admit it but...) they are sooo happy to see each other they lose all composure and turn into giggling trolls!
Secretly I love it. Though I scream nonstop until bedtime. I love that they are so close. And I know I'll miss these days when I'm old and lonely :)
Mad that the sandwich bread is "too soft"??!! That's hilarious! Yes, the back to school adjustment is tough, but I only have one in school, so we're managing okay. Much easier than last year when I had a baby the second week of school!
I can so relate to your post! We're adjusting at our house too--slowly. Homework is usually a battle. My girls avoid it at all costs! But they are learning. My 2nd grader has come home with some interesting new terms as well. :)
So sorry about all the adjustments, but it will all pass quickly. And I hate to laugh, but "nuggets" really did make me giggle!
I sure hope you have a good rest coming up this weekend! You're doing great!
We are ... adjusting ... I guess? Actually my oldest just started 3rd grade and this is the year that they start getting real "A-B-C-D-F" grades and percentages. She has always been an excellent student but a little bit of a "rusher" when it comes to getting stuff done. We were a little shell shocked for the first time when she came home with a simple 5 question reading assignment and had missed 2 and had 62% marked on the paper!
R-E-A-L-I-T-Y Check!
So yes... we are adjusting :)
You must be exhausted by the time they go to sleep. JDaniel loves school once I get him there.
Desperate Housemommy,
Thank you so very much for stopping by my itty bitty space and commenting. I truly appreciate it!
Once the boys and I are adjusted things run much smoother. But its getting through the adjustment that's the killer...mostly for me!
I do hope you come an visit again soon!
Rach,
Thank you! Yes, things do even out a bit after about 3-4 weeks and then we are golden. It's just this short period of time...which feels like an eternity!! LOL!
Alison,
TOTALLY spent! But at least I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Jessica,
Kids definitely adjust faster than we do, don't they? I wish Big T was more of a morning person, because getting him up and out of bed is a challenge almost every morning!
Kim,
So glad to hear that your son is adjusting well. Big T woke up this morning and informed me that if he was a teacher he would say.."no more schoo this week" HA! If only buddy!
Yeah that song, has been on constant repeat in my head for 8 years! Selfishly I'm glad to have someone to share it with! :)
Heather,
I'm convinced that they make the school schedule the way it is just to punish the parents! LOL!
Krista,
Right? Nuggets is SO going into the book of "Memories I will embarass my son with later in life"
Oh I sure hope they will last longer!
Liz,
6 weeks? That just amazing!!
I'm so glad you've hit your stride!
Kristy,
I'm glad you can identify with this post! And I'm so glad you guys got adjusted!
Ryan,
You have NO idea how glad I am that you can relate!
Safety in numbers is what I always say!
Yes transitions are tough. Your medicine seems like the perfect cure!
Tammy,
I'm so glad I'm not alone!!
The homework for us isn't too bad either...yet! Hoping they will ease into it.
Big T isn't a morning person either and he has to get up at 6:50 which is not an easy task!
The Mommy Mambo,
They really do use everything they have to make sure they are on their best behavior while they are at school.
I wish my boys missed each other while they were at school. But they just seem to come home and fight! *sigh*
Christi,
Isn't that hilarious?
To be fair, I had bought a loaf of bread that I even thought was off. Had too many air bubbles in it or something. But it cracked me up that he noticed it! Ande I wasn't about to throw out a whole loaf of bread.
Grumpy Grateful Mom,
I'm so glad you can relate!
It extremely hard to stay upbeat about homework when you're kids are protesting so hard isn't it?
Yeah, I'm sure this is just the beginning for all the wonderful sayings that will arrive this year!
Eat. Live. Laugh.
Oh my goodness! I have to tell you I almost spit out my dinner when I heard blurt this out at the dinner table. It's SO funny!
And you can bet your bottom dollar that I won't let him forget he said it. A mommy's got to have a little fun...right?
Kate,
OH I am SOO not ready for actual grading. I think a lot of things change in 3rd grade. UGH!
Yeah, the + and - and % is a lot to get used too!
At least we have eachother...right?
Jdaniel4's Mom,
Yeah it's a bit draining. But in the next few weeks we will all be back on our feet.
The boys love school, but it takes a lot out of them and they unload here at home. At least they feel comfortable doing that here...right? Looking for the silver lining!
I love your morning wake up quote! And yes, it has been a hard transition...for both my daughter and I. Her in class, me back to teaching.... I hope that by October (maybe November) we get into a good routine. Um and the nugget learning....giggle. :)
Elena,
Thank you! I try my best to start each day for the boys with a postitive and loving greeting.
My goal is mid October as well. Keeping my fingers crossed!
Yeah, the nugget learning is hilarious and I can't wait to use it as ammo for later in life. HA!
Post a Comment