Grandparents Raising Children Support Group

This community is dedicated to grandparents who are the primary caregivers of their grandchildren. In cases where the parents are not willing or able to provide adequate care for their children, grandparents may take on the role of primary caregivers. Join the support group to find support, share your experience, and get advice from other members.

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First Day Jitters

mamawx4
mamawx4
Yesterday was my oldest gs first day at preschool.We got him up and dressed and ready for the day and then he informed us he was not getting on the bus.You just tell he was scared to death.I felt so sorry for him but I told him that he was a big boy now and he had to go to school.His eyes started tearing up and picked him up and held him for a few minutes and told him if he cried when the bus came he would upset his little brother and make Mommy cry too.So when the bus finally arrived he took my hand and walked to the bus with a brave little smile on his face.He got on and went to sit down and I said "wait a minute Buddy I didn't get my bye kisses yet" he came back and put his little arms around me,kissed me and said"Mommy,it be ok I be back soon,I love you" .I stood and watched the bus pull away with my baby and started crying.My hubby came and put his arms around me and kept telling me that he would be ok I told him I knew he would be ok but it was a "Mom thing"when our babies grow up and start doing things on their own we cry.To tell the trueth I think he was very close to crying.too!!

I missed my gs all day and was totally lost without him and was outside by 1:00 waiting for the bus when he wasn't supposed to get home till around 2:15.When he finally got home I asked the bus driver/teacher how he did she told me that he only said 2 words all day and the was "THANK YOU".He didn't speak to the teachers or none of the kids,not one word except to thank someone if they gave him something and then it was so low they could barely hear him.I told the bus driver that it would probably take him a while to get into talking with anyone because he has alot of problems and he is autistic. When we went in he talked up a storm telling us all about his day,what he had done ,what he had ate,the toys he played with...ect.Then I asked him if he had fun and if he wanted to go back to school and his responce was"NO"!!!
GMaWilli
GMaWilli
Aaawww; I cried reading your post. It's sad to let them go, but also reason to be happy. Happy they are with us and going to school instead of sitting around in a home where bios are ignoring them or using drugs in front of them or even abusing and neglecting them. Going to school is a positive thing that we need to keep in its proper perspective. They are getting an education, which will help them find success in this tough world!!! They are learning so much when they go to school. I've seen a difference in my GS in just a week's time. He already seems more confident and independent. I can tell he really likes preschool. He fusses a little when I leave him in the morning, but nothing like he did when I left him at daycare. I think the whole bus thing would definitely add a level of stress, though!!!!! Once it becomes routine, though, hopeuflly your little guy will enjoy it and want to go each day. Will he be going every day?
mamawx4
mamawx4
He sleeps with my daughter,his aunt,and she said he talked in his sleep all night last night about his school.Htold us all about the fun he had at school.So we know he enjoyed it but he has alot of social issues and I know how hard it is on him being in this new situation but I also know once he gets used to it all he will be fine.When he got up this morning he seemed diappointed that he didn't get to go today.He goes tomorrow and the starts 4 days a week next week and then later in the year he will start going 5.

My hubby has been working in the yard today and when he out gs said he was a big school boy now and could help his daddy work.So hubby said "ok if you are a big school boy then you can help me do the yard work".We have been telling him that big boys who go to school are not babies anymore and have to do big boy things.Now if we can only convince him that "big boys "don't sleep with their "Sissy"!!!!
GMaWilli
GMaWilli
Breaking that habit of co-sleeping is a tough one and will most likely bring several nights of screaming and crying. You just have to decide when to do it and then stick to it. Hearing him cry and beg pitifully to sleep with her won't be easy, but eventually it's something you will have to do. If you go back & forth & give in, you wil only prolong the agony. It's hard. They like snuggling with someone just like we do, but they really do need to know how to comfort themselves and be independent enough to sleep by themselves. Is he 3 or 4? Going to school may tire him out, which could help in the process of getting him into his own bed. He'll be more tired, so he'll konk out easier!!
daisydduck
daisydduck
What a great story! They grow up so fast! On the sleeping thing, we had problems w/grandson and I w/read one book to him and then he had a little playskool tape recorder with books and tapes. He w/listen to his tapes and follow the books until he fell asleep. The rule was that he had to stay in his bed. I think they have them in libraries now also, or maybe updated cd version. I have to say by the time he was in kindergarten was sight reading words. By 2nd grade he was reading at 5th grade level. I really think following those books with the tapes helped him.
deleted_user
deleted_user
What a great story, Mamaw! I teared up as well reading it! :)

It sounds like he really enjoyed his day, but just is not comfortable in it yet. He will be. He's a great little guy!

My son listened to tapes going to sleep as well. We would put in a story tape (he liked the Odyssey ones) and he'd fall asleep listening. My gs won't sleep if I put in a story tape. I have to put in music. Then he'll fall asleep! :) He's listened to both sides of an Odyssey 3 times and not fallen asleep - they're just too interesting! :P

I found these tapes that are guaranteed to put anyone to sleep - I think they're called "Coffee Break". Honestly, I bought them cuz of the name, but they are so quiet and reflective that NOONE can stay awake! Another one the kids liked are ones like "Rainforest" or "Ocean" with music. Works every time. :)

What a great day, but so bittersweet!

God Bless!