Comments on: Kindergarten Meltdown

By: Grace

Grace — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 04:58:48 +0000

I think every parent has this meltdown episode, especially on the first days of school. It’s always heartbreaking to see them cry when the bus comes. But children adjust pretty fast, I hope your son will not cry anymore soon.

BTW, I will include this post in next week’s edition of the carnival of family life (I am hosting).

By: Susan

Susan — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 20:29:58 +0000

Driving him to school is an option, but I think holding out for him to get adjusted to the routine is a better one. I know it is tough but he will have to do it sooner or later right? Great site by the way and thanks for visiting LifeIsRisky.

By: dad

dad — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 20:15:55 +0000

Thanks for your suggestions. Driving him to school is one possible solution, although we haven’t given up on him adjusting to the new schedule. Our older two kids went through a major adjustment to the rigors of all-day kindergarten, but ultimately adjusted to their new schedule and thrived.

By: Anitra

Anitra — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 20:04:45 +0000

I didn’t take a bus in kindergarten, but in 1st-4th grade, I had to be outside for the bus at 6:30am, which got me to school at about 7:30; school started at 8. I just napped on the bus and in the classroom before school started (the lower grades usually had comfy chairs, rugs, and/or blankets).

Even though it’s inconvenient for your family, I’m happy to hear your district is bucking the trend and having highschool start latest in the day. Older teenagers actually need more sleep than preteens, and their bodies seem to be programmed to go to bed later and sleep in later. My highschool started at 7:30am, and none of my peers could get enough sleep. We would be zombies through at least the first half of the day, every day.

Solutions: ammb already suggested taking Son #3 to school yourselves, if that extra 15 minutes would help. Maybe just on days when he seems particularly tired? Alternatively, you could suggest a short nap in the afternoon, maybe right after coming home.

By: ammb

ammb — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 21:09:47 +0000

Is there any chance of you or your husband taking them to school? I ask as my son’s overall behavior & grades improved greatly when I stopped allowing the school bus or my employer’s schedule be the main drivers of his morning.

None of us in this family are morning people and as little as 15min extra sleep pays off tremendously in terms of patience and performance both at work and at home.

It wasn’t easy & does involve some sacrifices regarding finances & time. However, no longer having a child falling asleep in school (even with a 7:30pm bedtime) or worse, getting in various forms of trouble directly related to tiredness has been well worth it.