October has been a really hard month for our family. Our sweet and very sensitive five year old has been struggling, both at school and at home. It is hard to watch, and harder to fix.
In some respects, his transition to kindergarten was seamless. He loves his school, had no trouble jumping in and making new friends, and seems more excited about school than he ever has. For the first time ever, he comes home and tells me things that happened during the day.
However, in other ways, the transition has been a lot harder than we could have imagined. We knew he was struggling with learning to write, and I suspected sitting still and focusing for longer periods of time would also be hard for him. What I didn't anticipate was just how much those things would frustrate him, and leave him feeling defeated.
On most days, he gives everything he has at school, and by the time he gets home, he is absolutely exhausted.
He has a wonderful teacher. She recognizes his struggles, and knows that when he is not frustrated to the point of anger that he has a very gentle spirit, with an enthusiasm and love for life that is hard to match. We are so thankful for her.
We are also thankful the services offered by our public school system. He will be eligible for occupational therapy, which will hopefully help the writing become a little easier.
We have some recommendations from his doctor that will hopefully help make the days a little less frustrating for him.
Mostly, we are proud of him. Kindergarten shouldn't be hard for anyone. It should instill a love for learning. He has to work hard at it, and he is doing great.
And speaking of a love for life, my three-year-old would rival anyone - as long as he is getting to do everything himself. After all, is that not the definition of being three? He is the happiest of the happy as long as he is not maddest of the mad.
Helping blow off the leaves with his "leaf blower".
And just to not be left out...
Just up from nap, looking adorable.
Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
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