First Week of School!

Jia completed her first week of school this week! It is a warm, inviting Montessori school which she knows well as she accompanied her cousins to this school for drop off and pick up all of last year. The teachers also know her well and welcomed her with warm arms into the Toddler Cottage. All of that said, the week didn't always go so swimmingly! She was very needy of me and panicked and cried inconsolably every time I attempted to leave the classroom. The first week is an orientation week with reduced hours each day. She will eventually attend 3 hours a day, 4 days a week. Her dad and I stayed close to her the first day (these are the pics I'm attaching) and the next day I tried to leave. Oh no, none of that! The teachers tried and tried to console her but to no avail so I returned to the room. The third day I again stayed in the room the entire time. Finally on day four her LaLa (Aunt Lisa) took her in. Lisa will be introducing her to the room each day this year and be there for pick up as well so we thought maybe this would be a better transition. Anytime I am around she absolutely panics if I'm not in sight but she seems to do much better if I'm not even around at all. She did slightly better but did cry for me even with Lisa with her - she's no slouch, she knew I was there somewhere! But after being given her "bankie" (she carries around one of her dad's t-shirts at all times for comfort) she calmed down and Lisa was actually able to leave the room for about 1/2 hour. Baby steps, right? Lisa really is like her second mom so she is able to get great comfort from her. I was there to scoop her up once school was over.

We'll see how it goes next week! I'm confident she's ready for school since she is so very social and incredibly bright and curious. It will just take a little time to adjust to the new environment and schedule. I can't be happier with the warm, caring teachers who will teach Jia and the other kids seem great. Hopefully she'll soon make good friends and cry to leave rather than to stay! This was an emotionally draining week for Jia and the mom. It is so hard to hear her cry for me - by the time I left for work in the afternoon I'd felt I'd already run a marathon! I know this is an important part of creating flexibility and independence and properly launching our beloved daughter, but boy it sure is tough!