Doing better?
Wednesday, the dotter climbed into my lap again when I picked her up. Thursday, however…no climbing into laps, and when she said, mournfully, “I had a bad day again today,” I could tell by the subtleties of the tone that it was not a serious mournfulness.
I slanted the Hairy Eyeball at her in the mirror. She busted up giggling.
So, still no buddies at after care, no buddies at school, but I think (maybe) she is settling in a bit, and beginning to recognize people, so is feeling a bit better.
The commentary about teachers and aftercare workers helping the kiddos get to know each other was good–and, lo and behold, the next day, when I went to pick up the dotter, Miss Mary at aftercare was going around the room with all the kids, having them call out their names loudly so that everyone could hear. I’m feeling very hopeful about the aftercare place. And each day a different kid gets chosen as Mrs. Shoetree’s helper of the day, and the dotter knows that child’s name, so it’s helping the kids get to know each other.
Playgroupy-ness must needs wait until we’re in the house. (Will we ever get in the house?? Must be optimistic. Must be optimistic.) One nice thing about the house is its close proximity to school, so I can scooch over there during my “lunch hour” to check with school secretaries, leave notes for Mrs. Footrace, maybe eat with the dotter, maybe volunteer some.
One thing I’ve noticed that may take some getting used to for me is that all the moms are much younger. (You’re supposed to read that particular line in a mournful tone.)
We ran into a family with a daughter from China while we were at the State Fair; this family is in Big City. Which reminded us that Big City has an FCC chapter. Big City also has–not fair!–a Mandarin immersion program! Whoa. But, alas, Big City is 35 miles away. Close enough for Friday night Mandarin classes (also offered), and monthly meetings and suchlike.
Of course, the social awkwardness of a new school is compounded, as y’all said, by being new in state, the upheaval of the move, and our (as Carosgram labeled it) “inappropriate guilt”. And the smallness of the Shoebox. We are all getting on each others’ nerves, and the dotter really really needs to be able to settle down, which will help with the confidence level…just having her own “stuff” around her when she’s home will help.
Thanks everyone for the good ideas and the sympathy. It hit me out of the blue, that the dotter might have difficulties, and I was feeling sad for her and guilty that I hadn’t realized it beforehand–all the suggestions and commentary has helped a great deal! Y’all are Good Eggs, y’know?
posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments
