Yesterday was the big day. Not only was it Apollo’s first day of kindergarten, it was the first day for any of our kids! I was really nervous about whether not Apollo would get on the bus. Would he walk right on with his siblings? Or panic at the last moment? While he has been excitedly anticipating school, he has also become more clingy as the reality sets in. Yesterday Apollo woke up at 1:44 am (yes, I have a kindergartener who still doesn’t sleep through the night) asking if it was time to get up yet. He was excited!
He was ready, bright and early. We packed his lunch together the night before (at the recommendation from the feeding clinic at Children’s). I included a menu so his teacher could help track what he eats (as is written in his 504 plan).
And just like that, he was off! I had a productive day: 6 loads of laundry (washed, dried and folded), a clean kitchen, dropped off stuff at Goodwill, picked up Enoch and Kalina from math, picked up prescriptions and rearranged the little boys’ room. By 2 o’clock I could resist no more and emailed Apollo’s teacher asking how it was going…
She sent this photo and reply:
He is doing great! He transitioned in this morning with no problem and has actively participated in all of our activities. Lunch went well and I made some notes about what he ate. Let me know if you want more info. We will have snack in about 15 minutes. We just had an air break outside and are now having some free choice. He told me he was having a “good” day. Here is a picture of him playing Legos!
Dear friends, you have no idea how great it was to read this! For Apollo it isn’t about school or academics or kindergarten. It is about separation and anxiety. He did it! He went to school. He was safe, he had fun! This is so very much healthier than him demanding to sit on my lap and being to scared to be across the room from me. I pray this is an avenue to open up a whole new world for him.
One small step for man; one giant step for Apollo.
WOW…it is a great day for you! Praise God !!
Yay! He looks happy.
Somebody recommended a book to us I think you might also like: Haim Omer’s guide to treating anxious children. But maybe Apollo’s anxiety is ebbing on its own!
Awesome!!!!
What n inspiration! I was praying for him when you posted the kindergarten shot earlier this week. 🙂 Yay Apollo! and your first kindergartener! Was that difficult? I’ve always imagined it to be very hard to step away from homeschooling when its very much a part of who you are and what you do. KWIM? Im inspired by you and your ability to let go and do whats best for your kids at this time.
Amen
Good for him! He’s looking pretty proud of himself in this picture. Your nervousness is so justified and I’m relieved to hear his teacher responded so quickly and was able to report such good news. On to day two!
Woo-hoo! What happy news to start this gorgeous day 😀 Sure sounds like he has an understanding Kindy teacher.
Julie
Yay for Apollo! And yay for you! I had one son with separation anxiety. He graduated last spring and just moved into his own place (although I still get a few texts every day, but that’s fine!) Don’t be surprised or too upset, though, if about a week in Apollo changes his tune and suddenly doesn’t want to go. The newness wears off and old patterns set in. I had to drag mine, kicking and screaming, into school on the Friday of his first full week. I still remember it well…I felt so awful doing it. But I got home (2 blocks away) and called the school to find that the moment I left he stopped crying and ran off to play. I think dragging him in like that hurt me more than it hurt him. LOL It sounds like you have a great teacher, too! Kudos to her!
Absolutely amazing. I am so so excited for you you all! How blessed you are to have a teacher who takes time out of her day to respond to an email AND send a picture!
So thankful that he transitioned well on his first day. Free choice = Legos! How perfect was that? I love that the teacher sent you a photo. Fabulous.
I just literally cried tears of joy for you. I’m so proud of you both. Your day (and his) sounded amazing and this is an answer to prayer!
That must be such a relief, and possibly a confirmation that you are doing the right thing! It really helps that the teacher is so understanding. Take care, Belinda
Woohoo! I’ve been wondering.
So awesome! So glad for him and you.
Thinking about all your family as you make this transition. May great successes like this day give you strength on the days you need encouragement.
Congatulations! It is truly amazing. My older girls are enjoying their kindergarten as well, and I am enjoying the little bit of extra time to spend with younger ones. It must be a whole new experience for you to have house all for yourself (albeit mostly to clean, shop and work, but still, all this done in peave and quiet is not bad at all!)
Hallelujah!
Bravo!!! Well done Apollo and mom. I’m a kinder teacher in minnesota and know well the anxiety some children and parents have! Given his health issues there is so much, as you know, for him to conquer and it seems he has begun with a huge leap forward. I would agree with the comment that it could change in a few weeks but be brave, strong and trust in God (and it seems a very good teacher) this too should pass and he’ll continue to soar! I’m so happy for you all!!!!