It was the first day of second grade this week. Wow! It’s been a quick summer. Our family was very involved in getting a new charter school up and going. We liked the environment as it was proposed in the charter and believe that they are able to provide a flexible learning style for kids.
Although we were super excited to see the school year start, there has been some apprehension. Adjusting to change isn’t one of Punkin’s strongest traits. We were grateful to touch bases with a few of his teachers and let him get a sense of the lay out of the school just before it started. But, he’s still nervous and complains about a stomachache and headache everyday so far. He’s picking his poor thumbs raw from the nervous energy. He’ll get through it and we were prepared for some transition issues.
I had two emotional “mommy” moments the day of the open house – watching them put up the letters of the school name on the building and watching Punkin’s mentor teacher sit down next to him and talk for at least five minutes about how she is there to help him and she understands that life gets overwhelming for him. She promised she would be there for him. The school guidance counselor did the same. The special education teachers did it, too. Yes, I said “teacherS.” This school has two! Tears. Seriously, tears. And, dang it, now they are coming again!
He was excited to get dressed in his uniform and wait for the bus. He needed a little help going up the stairs alone. But, he did it! His wave as he drove past made me feel so much better. He came home excited, but ready for the X-Box. He’s definitely a boy!
Some of the other tendencies are coming out – he’s not sleeping as well, he has some meltdowns that seem irrational, and he’s sure that people aren’t sitting next to him on the bus because they don’t like him. We’re working on the bus issue by trying to remind him that everyone is new to the school and not sure where they fit in yet. Things will get easier. I will have to watch the “funny kid” who likes to slap him on the back, though. Punkin says he doesn’t mind, but I do! The other things will resolve over time and with an established schedule.
Punkin had some great friends and experiences at his last school and great sessions with his psychologist that have prepared him to make this change with some confidence. We are looking at this change as giving us hope with more access to additional services, a better schedule, and the ability to play with friends in the afternoons. We are so grateful to have understanding employers that allow us to do this for Punkin. We’re proud of him and looking forward to seeing him grow another year older.
Punkins & Aspergers 