We have falling snow, and both boys are home, but they didn't call school off. Brian and I decided last night to keep John home today. This new four-morning schedule is kicking John's butt, and mine. Getting three kids up and out the door by 8:15 am every morning rivals cleaning toilets in the meat room of the local grocery store for my Worst Job Ever. If John didn't have a tantrum every other minute, it wouldn't be so bad. But he tantrums. Every. Other. Minute.
I drifted off last night fantasizing about the kids sleeping in, but alas, 'twas not to be. Ava woke at 5:45 to nurse. She fell back asleep, but I couldn't. Ben came plodding into our room at 6:45. John slept just a half hour late, until 7:30. I considered getting him out the door, but we've got 3+ fresh inches of snow and it's still falling, so that idea didn't live long.
Yesterday before school John said, "I don't want to go to school." He's never said that before. He used to love school. Then he said, "So, I'm never going to go to the green room, is that what's happening?" Yes, the green room's his old school, which we pulled him out of because it's a 20-minute drive from here. His new school? A five minute walk.
So, I called John's new teacher, to check in. Apparently he's having some trouble "learning the routine," and likes to "lay down during circle time." He also likes to bonk the kid next to him on the head with a book. Gently, though.
Phew! Thank God he bonked him gently!
The thing is, John's old school was the Funnest Preschool in America. His old teachers would NEVER mention to me that he laid down during circle time. I mean, he's four. His new school, well, it's a bit reserved. Long on structure, short on fun. I plan to visit the class on Tuesday, and you know what? If he doesn't laugh at least once an hour, I'm pulling him out. Preschool should involve laughing, no?
John's prescription for today: lots of patience and indulgent attention from me, books, all the snuggling he allows (he's not a big snuggler), and perhaps baking some brownies and breaking out the new Mr. Mouth game he got for his birthday. Airborne choking hazards -- woot!
1 comments:
Hi Kris,
I think I came across your blog on having 3 kids on dotmoms a few weeks ago (which was uncanny as we finally decided 2 weeks ago to try for our 4th) and today I came across this blog. I really enjoy your writing and what you said about pre-school hit a nerve with me. My 4 year old hasn't been smiling either. I'm pretty sure I'm going to switch him next year. I'll be sure to check back soon. PS, I don't know what the rhino blog was, but I'm interested...last week I posted a picture of my morning belly and my evening belly. You might enjoy it: http://themomshow.blogspot.com/2006/01/games-people-play.html
Have a great day.
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