With the baby coming soon I thought it would be beneficial to enroll Marshall in public school beginning in January after Winter Break. I know I won't feel up to homeschooling him for a couple months after but didn't want him sitting around bored all day.
We went up to the school the day before their break to enroll him. While filling out the paperwork, the school counselor introduced herself to Marshall. Later, when I asked what he was most excited about, he told me having lunch with her.
He was super excited for his first day of school! You know how you read about some kids who are up and ready for the first day at 6:00? Well not Marshall! WE had to wake HIM up at 7:45 to get him going! Definitely a first around here. Usually the boys are up before us!
Marshall at his desk in the morning on his first day (Wednesday, January 4). You can tell he's excited, but also nervous. John said, as we were walking out of the building, that he looked like a deer in headlights.
But all went well - he came running out to the car and said, "I had a GREAT day at school!!!" Which was music to my ears! Thursday, his second day, went much the same. When Friday morning rolled around however, and John asked him to say the morning prayer, he prayed that school wouldn't be so long that day (school goes from 9-4:00). It will take some getting used to, I'm sure.
On Monday morning he had a huge meltdown and did not want to go to school. John and I both tensed up and I noticed we both started to get a little agitated with him in return. As soon as I realized it, and noted our behavior to John, we both calmed down and helped Marshall work past it and had a good morning in the end. I'd hate for him to leave for school feeling the frustration of all three of us throughout the day when he thought of home.
Making morning family prayer a priority has also helped with this. No matter how hectic things were growing up, my mom always made us say family prayer before leaving for school (or even sometimes in the car on the way to school). I know that it gave me a feeling of peace and comfort throughout my school day and want that for my kids, too. It really does set the tone for your day and I know it gives kids the confidence and security they need to succeed!
Little brother after dropping Marshall off at school his first day.
A common question I'm getting is how Coen is fairing in all this. As we left the school without Marshall last Wednesday, he suddenly stopped mid-track and asked why Marshall wasn't coming with us. I've never seen his lower lip stick out so far and tears of sadness followed. We went home and played with his castle and knights, his current favorite, for about an hour and after that there was no talk about Marshall the rest of the day.
As soon as Marshall got home, though, there was instant antagonizing from Coen. He would not let the poor boy alone! It's as if he was catching up on all the day's mischief and sibling rivalry, but also sending the message that he missed him and just wanted him to play. It's sort of endearing in a very annoying way.
On Thursday morning Coen cried as John left to take Marshall to school. On Friday he was asleep when they left but as soon as he woke up and realized his brother was gone, he was sad once more.
Yesterday he did fine and asked if we could go shopping at Target to use the "toiwets." Which is so hilarious because each time we're there, either he or I do indeed end up in the restrooms. And today, he wanted to go swimming. Ha ha!
We're settling into a rhythm and it's been good!
Here he is with his Sensei
Here he is with his Sensei
