It was all too much.
Another language. Separated from the sibling that they had known since conception. First time away from Mom. Sitting for three hours*.
All this change resulted in days filled with crying. Not participating in events. Excuses upon excuses. Escaping from class to go to the others classroom**.
Bottom line, he didn’t want to go school.
Not unusual given the circumstances. In fact, I was told that it can take three weeks for a child to adjust to such changes in routine. Even so, it didn’t make my heart hurt any less.
But, it’s not about me.
Why were we sending The Kids to school in the first place?**
Socialization. Culture. Language.
We listened to The Kids. They both wanted to go to school if they were in the same classroom.
We went back to the Director.
It was not to be.
So many thoughts ran through our mind…
If we leave one child in school, will the other one be jealous of all they’ve learned and/or time alone with Mom?
Will waiting a year for total immersion in the culture and language have a long-term affect on the child’s ability to learn the language?***
Will forcing them to go to school make them hate it in the end?
Can they even learn if they don’t want to be there?
You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink.
After seeking professional guidance from those that know The Kids and taking their own feelings into account, as parents we made a decision…
Max will no longer go to school. Artemis will.
Only the future knows if we made the right decision.
Ever Had to Make a Major Decision Like This?
This is Part 3 of The Kids School Saga. Click here to find Part 1 and Part 2.
* We had no idea what school curriculum was like and no information was offered up. In fact, we still don’t know. I guess they just assume that we know. There are no toys in Artemis or Max’s room. He is required to sit at tables with 33 other kids and listen. The whole day. Except for a short recess period. A major difference from what Max has been accustomed to for four years.
*** Note that our desire to have The Kids speak Spanish is not solely based on our desire to have them just speak another language. Spanish is their Father’s Mother tongue and a part of who they are.
I believe you made the right choice Sarah.
AlwaysARedhead recently posted…I just spent twenty of the past twenty-four hours sleeping
Well it sounds like the right choice at this junction. Who knows what the future will bring? Glad to hear Artemis is enjoying it so much and it will be interesting for them to be apart so much – definitely a change!
You know what is best for him. That’s what counts. (((HUGS)))
Freda Mans recently posted…Romwe’s Valentines Gift
Sarah,
Maybe Artemis will home school Max.
Eric
The “SHERIFF”
Dear Eric,
Actually, I was kind of thinking that you could homeschool him.
Besos, Sarah
Sarah its a huge change, I think you did the right thing. Who knows, he might just need a few weeks home and it might be longer, but I fully understand your decision and why.
Tough call but Mama knows best!!!
Jody recently posted…Mancation (Or What May Be the End of My Husband)
Mom’s almost always know what’s best for their kids. Sometimes it’s french fries. Sometimes isn’t not going to school. With kids you so often have to “play it by ear” which is a strange phrase to see typed…..
Mommy Outside recently posted…Parent How You Like, as Long as I Can Too.
I think that doing what’s best for your child and yourself is always the right choice 🙂
Heather, Mmm… is for Mommy recently posted…Neptune Theatre’s Having Hope at Home
You did what you felt was right and can’t be faulted for that.
Thanks for sharing.
my oldest is starting school soon and I am worried about how he will do. ho0meschooling is not an option for us so I have no choice but to send him to school. I don’t know what i’ll do if he hates school.
you’re doing great, just keep going one day at a time!
Angie In My 30s recently posted…Giveaway: $500 For The Love Of Cash
You made the right choice. The popular choice doesn’t always mean it’s the right one! 🙂
You made the right choice, even if it was hard
I’m in university and still don’t wan’t to go to school every day…lol
Tough situation, but you definitely made the right decision I think.
I remember going through the same with my kids and school lol Sometimes the right decisions are still some of the toughest to actually decide on.
It seems that Life is always about making decisions but, as a parent, it we want our child to be happy and we do the best we can to accomplish that. That’s what being a parent is about. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Thats a rough situation to be in, glad you figured it out though