Ben Heads Back to Preschool

Ben has headed back to preschool again. We are all adjusting to the new routine. He is tired most evenings. I'm doing Joy School again so it's a mommy-swap type thing in our homes. We have 5 families involved and so far they are all amazing! Pre-visit - We had a preschool play date so that the kids could all meet each other before we just abandoned them at random houses with people they had never met. Maddie had a wonderful time. Ben wouldn't leave the side of my leg the entire hour and a half. I explained that I wouldn't play with him. I could see him and he could see me where the other kids were playing. He whined and cried. I encouraged him to go play, but ignored his whining. I was pretty nervous how this new year was going to go. Week 1 - Day 1 - Ben was prepped and we had talked through our routine for days. No surprises. We arrived and went in to drop him off. He was so scared. I stayed and played for 15 minutes to help him settle in. We brought Potsy, as was our deal, to be his comfort toy to help him be brave. I gave him warning that I was leaving in 5 minutes, 3 minutes, 1 minute, etc. Then he clung to my body like I was trying to drop him over a cliff. That kid has never been so strong as that morning. Finally another mother held him so I could escape up the stairs. He screamed and cried. I was so nervous the entire time. I was sure he was going to be a disaster and a distraction the entire time. When it was time to pick him up, he saw me and started screaming, "NO! I don't want to leave yet. I'm playing, mom!" I guess he settled down within about 3 minutes and was totally normal the rest the day.

Day 2 - I was totally nervous about leaving him again and how the drop off would go. I walked him to the door expecting to have to escort him to the basement again and redo the entire fiasco. I asked if he could carry some papers for me to give to the teacher (my intent was so my hands would be free to carry Maddie). He says, "Sure. See you later mom." and runs down the stairs. I stood in the doorway dumbfounded. Then reality hit and told me, RUN - before he figures out what he just did. Upon my return, he again screamed and cried that he didn't want to leave. I guess it's going well.

Week 2 - Day 1 - Slow morning, arrived late. Drop off brought tears and fear, but he was able to go in and let me go pretty fast again. He was unhappy to see me return...again. Day 2 - Same story. He's doing great and having fun! Maddie is totally jealous and hates that she can't stay at preschool. She usually cries when I take her home. Poor girl. I'll have to try to do some special Maddie stuff while Ben is gone.