Last year, I remember talking to my mom group friends about how we would feel when the kids started kindergarten. Most said they would be sad and probably cry. I was excited for a little free time. I envisioned Caitlin loving school and having fun. I didn't envision worrying about her safety on the bus, bullying, and simply making friends.
The bus has worked out so far. The drivers seem nice. They had a monitor on the bus for the first week to ensure the kids got off at the right stops. But you hear a horror story about a friend's daughter getting on the wrong bus and getting dropped off at a daycare despite her objections to the bus driver and you still worry. No one knew where the little girl was till 6 pm. She usually gets home at 3:45. The girl told the bus driver and the daycare that she didn't belong there but everyone pretty much ignored her. Needless to say her mom was frantic.
Caitlin has not been bullied but I still worry about it. She is a shy kid. She doesn't always stick up for herself. I worry about her being happy at school. I worry about her making friends. She asked a little girl in her kindergarten class to sit with her on the bus. The first day she said the girl said she would think about it. The second day she said no. Doesn't sound like a big deal, right? Caitlin was in tears each day. It made me want to punch the little girl in the mouth. I won't but I want to. I hate seeing her hurt. I hate that I can't stop others for hurting her feelings.
I am enjoying a little free time when both kids are in school. I am worrying too. I feel the momma bear in me wanting to protect my daughter from mean kids. I know that Caitlin is a strong girl and she will be fine. I guess I still want to protect her and I can't. And that is why I cried the day she started kindergarten.
5 comments:
I know what you mean. After the first day, he jumped off the bus and I asked how was school. He said fine but then these big tears started welling up in his eyes and I knew something was wrong. Ends up 2 boys called him stupid and the momma bear in me wanted to take care of those boys. He's getting better...I think it takes time. At least I hope it's that.
Oh it is so hard when they are outside our protective bubble! It gets easier with each passing day. My girls are now in grades 6 and 4...there have been a few bumps in the roads but so far....we are still smiling:)
I would feel the same way about that little girl saying no. What a meanie! I'm glad Caitlin isn't sitting with her.
When Five started school, I was happy to get some free time, but I also felt very "empty nest. It has now been six months since he started school, and I'm *still* working on letting go.
I would have cried, too and I am a school counselor! We will be in your shoes next Fall. It's hard when you can't be there to protect them at every thing that comes at them. No one wants to see their child hurt! Keep encouraging, talking, and listening, it will get better :)
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