Ahhh. Billy Madison. The movie that for many people introduced them to Adam Sandler and his friends and their version of comedy. I’m sure it didn’t arguably change the stylistic nature of movies in a pivotal way, but for many people around me, I do think it introduced a seemingly unique generational comedic style. It’s a movie that’s despised by baby boomers and those who fancy themselves film critics; possibly loved by those who don’t mind dumb humor as a form of escapism.
We’ve made it seven school days into the new school year. This did mean changes for all children. I & C had the largest changes as they switched schools, from the school they had attended since early in the pandemic (the only school they remember) to a different school, attending kindergarten. We sent them to Vacation Bible School for half-days for a week in June. Initially, I thought it was probably more for me. Admittedly, I get incredibly anxious with new situations. As an adult, my coping mechanism is just to BARREL through the anxiety at full force and meet any situation head on, but in my head, there’s a lot going on. They enjoyed VBS, both the content and the teachers, and seemed to meet new friends. On the first day, unfortunately (possibly fortunately because it could have made it harder), I was the only one able to go to drop off. Oops, let me back up. The day prior, we went to drop off school supplies, re-engage with the teacher, and get a little more comfy with what the next day would look like. It seemed to go well, though C is a little shy and nervous regarding new transitions.
The following day, I walked them into their class. The school had set up several fun things – a balloon arch, the presence of their mascot (a tiger) – of which I offered up to the kids. They were uninterested and just wanted to get to their classrooms. After arguing over who got dropped off first (they’re separated for the first time in their five year beautiful life), I decided on Carter since I suspected that was going to be a multi-point dropoff. The teachers were great; they had activities and things to do at the desk. I promised him I would come back and even was able to introduce him to the little girl who sat next to him as I had met her mother at a previous event. They classrooms that they’re in are catty corner from one another as they do field trips and events together, so they placed them there so that mom & dad could have it a little easier. Isabelle’s drop off was fine. She was quiet, unsure, but not upset. As I was giving her the last hug, I hear a wail coming from the other room. I quickly made it back there and as I suspected, C thought I was not coming back. There were a lot of big questions – ones that are hard for him to understand. “Why can’t I go back to my old school? Why aren’t my friends here?” I tried to answer them effectively, deescalate the situation and then the previously mentioned mom said, hey, let’s leave together. I’m happy to say I didn’t leave him in tears, though unsure of himself and I hoped for the best and left. Izzy had the pleasure of having a friend from her prior school in class which I think definitely eased the skids. That being said, Carter had someone with whom he bonded during VBS in his class – incidentally another Carter – so I was hoping that would click throughout the day.
They sponsored a little coffee get together for the parents which I briefly attended. Everyone seemed kind – many varying experiences; some first drop off, other who have many older children. The drop off was shockingly difficult for mama. I expected since unfortunately my kids have been in daycare since 12 weeks old that it would be “old hat,” but there were definitely tears shed and guilt abound (even though I know I’m doing the right thing). I moved on to work and hoped for the best. I emailed halfway through the first day to check on everything. I was really happy to hear that though there were some bumps, they hugged each other in the hallways and at recess. They’re at each other’s throats at home, so to see the love being exchanged when needing comfort made my heart very happy. They went to the after school program the first day — The teachers explained that some children start going in the second week, but for my children, consistency is best. To break it up into two sets of completely new things can just double down on the endocrine system stress levels. I am happy to report they were happy and excited when I picked them up from school. The funniest part was that Carter asked if they go to go to after school every day. There are sad parts about that (ya know, we all wish we could do everything), but I was elated he enjoyed the free play and outside time (likely most similar to their daycare.)
Since the first day, things are relatively without incident. I get bits and pieces of what actually happened at school; there have been some scratches, pushing, etc., but seemingly not to traumatizing. C got very angry one day, which I could tell from the crumpled up paper that came home and they did send him into I’s classroom to calm down a bit. This is a C trait. We’re working on it, but I can only assume he’ll grow out of it. He started to go to the “safe desk” in his room to calm down a bit, but then attempted [unsuccessfully] to tip the desk over. (I did laugh in my head, all while understanding it’s not an appropriate response.) On Friday, they went to their first all school mass. They were excited because they learned the sign of the cross and could put it into action. They said they loved mass, which is fun. Their other “special” classes include Art, Music, Computer, PE, Counselor, and Library. Thus far, they’ve enjoyed them all. Now, they never “remember” who they sat by at lunch, but eventually the details will come out. We had an all school ice cream social last night where we got a chance to fraternize with other parents which was nice.
My sweet, strong-willed almost three year olds also started a new class for the beginning of the school year. I am ELATED to report that they are daytime potty trained which has taken a less than small strain off of us. They’re still wearing aids at night, but are doing great during the day. It’s hard to believe that I’ll have three year olds and five year olds, here soon. I’m both incredibly overwhelmed and proud of this new season that we’re going through.
Next post will be largely pictures, of our summer and of the beginning of school as we navigate all the new changes.
Last comment: Though my time is… sparce; I love the village and the people with whom I’m sharing this journey. Having other women with young children is helpful and the other people, children or not, who are supportive of a new season of life.
XOXX.
Adventures with the Quad Squad 