School Stress!!

Little D has been very stressed about going to school Initially, I thot it had to do with separation anxiety, but now..... I am not so sure. She really doesn't like to go to school. With S, my eldest child, she used to cry (when we 1st started her in preschool) everyday, but only at the time when I left her at school. Otherwise she was fine the rest of the day at home. With N, it was super duper easy. No problems from day 1. Said goodbye happily. With D, it starts the night before. She doesn't want to go to bed. She hates me (coz I am the one that sends her to school everyday). She wakes up in the night crying. Even on weekends, if we head in the direction of school, she will remind us that she doesn't want to go to school. Wont wear her uniform. Cries from the minute she wakes up. Doesn't want to shower. Doesn't want to wear her school shoes. This is really, really stressful for me. Not sure if there will be any psychological impact on her in the future. I worry. How can someone so young, be so aware. None of her classmates have this problem. She is the only one crying in class everyday. I know every child is different. But why is D SO different? Many children would have gotten used to the routine by week 2 or 3. This is week 5!! She knows that I will pick her home at the end of the school day. She can even tell me that. It is not that preschool is no fun. I chose this preschool because the teachers are caring and the kids have lots of fun there. (Sometimes, i think too much fun!) Why, why, why? I just hope things improve soon. I am too stressed out by it. As a result, I tend to be shouting more than necessary at the other 2 children. Poor them. I must watch myself.

Welcome to my 1st Blog

Have been writing year end letters to friends, filling them up on what's been going on in my life, for years. But had to stop when I had my 3rd child. It's been about 3 years since I last wrote. Now that child #3 has started pre-school, I have some time on my hands. Hence, this blog. With age, it is difficult to recall everything that happened at the year-end. What with the festive rush and all, the memory just goes. This is an excellent alternative. Friends can log in and find out what's happening? Especially those very good friends we made whilst living oversea, and friends who have migrated...even friends whom, due to the demands of family, we have no time to keep in touch with. So, to all my friends, feel free to drop by and keep abreast with what's happening in our home. Make a comment, drop a note, or just read on.

Our oldest S, is now in grade 5, in the gifted education programme. She is doing well, and is currently at school camp. We worry....who doesn't? She isn't very athletic, and this is the 1st time she is away from home, without us. But we pray that God will watch over her, and keep her safe, and will bring her home safely at the end of the 3 day camp.

Our 2nd child, N, is now in grade 2. He has just changed schools to be in the same school as his sister. He is Mr Sociable. Makes friends easily, and is terribly playful. Loves his TV, and food. He should have no problem adapting to his new school environment.

Our youngest, D, has just started Nursery 1. Youngest in the class, being a december child. Still suffering from separation anxiety, but cries only for that half minute when I leave her at school. Once I am out the door, she stops, and enjoys herself!! However, it is terribly stressful for me, as she wakes up crying everyday, saying she doesn't want to go to school, she doesn't want to shower, she doesn't want to put on her school uniform, she doesn't want to wear her socks and shoes,.....the list and the crying goes on, until I get her into class and am out the school door. Sigh!

At least now I have 3 hours to myself, before I pick D up, get her home, feed her her lunch, before I am out the door again to go get S & N home from school. Then it is ensuring S & N do their homework, then ferrying them to whatever enrichment classes they have (swimming, mandarin, music, science, etc). The day is loooooonnnnng. Every nite, I fall asleep even before D. Yes, I am still the early bird. Would love to go to bed at 9, if I can, but it is never possible, as D is a night owl, just like S and their Dad. N and I are the early birds! We know the good things in life!!

I am blessed that I have a M-i-l that does the cooking. So we have a delicious, nutricious dinner every evening. On top of that, she helps take care of D when I am out ferrying the other kids.

Started helping out at S&N's school yesterday. They are sooooo busy. Can't imagine how they cope without the parent volunteers. So it is one day a week for me at their school. Interacting with adults, for a change!!

That's my typical day. However with CNY round the corner, things are hotting up. Busy, busy, busy. There's cleaning & shopping to do. Would love to do some baking too, but doubt if i will be able to find the time. Maybe next year when things are more settled. Will have to make do with store bought cookies, and goodies.