Playschool For Two

I have avoided the topic of school starting even though it's been a pretty big deal in this house.

It just hasn't felt settled so I didn't know what to say.

My feelings and experiences change on a weekly basis.

Fiona returned to her same school but is now in the "big kid room" aka preschool room.

She was so happy to return and her first day of school went like a dream.

She immediately started bringing home artwork and we resumed our routine of talking about our days.

Admittedly she chatters on about hers for much longer than I could hold her attention with my pharmacy tales.

Starting Cedric was a whole new ball game.

When we started Fiona last year she was almost 2 1/2, potty trained and had much more experience being away from me.

We love this program so I was excited to start Cedric in the toddler room at 19 months this October.

Even though it felt a little young.

Being the second child, much of his socialization has been with Fiona's friends.

I loved the idea of him spending time with kids of his own age.

Not to mention out of the shadow of his big sis.

Of course I knew that there would be an adjustment period and was prepared for it.

I anticipated some teary mornings, clingy evenings and possibly even disturbed sleep.

What I wasn't prepared for was the seemingly emotionless first morning.

This little stinker was ready to go before the rest of us and yelling "go" at the front door.

I was so focused on Cedric that I overlooked the fact that this is also a transition for Fiona.

She was now sharing her school with her little bro.

And we all know how much 3 year olds love to share right?

All of a sudden this wasn't her special place anymore. 

Her easy drop off immediately became difficult.

I was in the middle of a very different scenario than expected.

As Fiona was crying Cedric was stone faced.

I left him happily playing with the "sand" table and even when I said goodbye he didn't flinch.

As I said, I certainly wasn't expecting that and fought away the tears while driving away.

 I was proud and happy but cautious with something in the back of my mind.

I remembered the program director speaking about the "honeymoon period" at the AGM.

Some kids are initially happy to spend time in a new environment with new toys and friends but a couple weeks in something switches.

It's like they finally realize that this is a permanent thing.

"Seriously Mom, we're here again? Been there, done that, let's go back to normal ok?"

Well, that happened this week.

Week 3: Double Meltdown.

Fiona was again pretty clingy and didn't want me to leave.

Cedric. Lost. His. Mind.

For all of you with kids, remember when they had their first vaccines and you heard the pain cry for the first time?

That's what this felt like. 

Cedric whipped out a whole new cry in a never before achieved octave.

This was much more heartbreaking than the lack of emotion.

I'd take old stone-face again any day.

So I guess we're still adjusting.

I would love any advice you can offer to make Fiona's drop off easy again.

As for Cedric I know this is one of those give-it-time situations.

In the meantime I'm trying to take it as a compliment.