DAY 1 - Cristian Goes to School

It was terrible.

Today was C’s first day of pre-kinder. I made sure to get him use to the idea – at least about the ‘lunchbox thing’ by having him carry around his Ogres Rock Shrek lunchbox all weekend.

So, we woke up this morning and got dressed. I hyped him up….telling him he’s going to have fun and play with all the kids. He was pumped. I loaded his lunchbox with some fruit, crackers, yogurt, a juice box and off we went.



I parked a bit far from school, to give us a chance to take a nice long walk hand in hand, for his big day. His one hand in mine and the other clutching his lunchbox, there we were taking steps towards a new ‘big boy’ beginning. When we got to the school, he was a bit apprehensive. We sat on the ledge of the outer fence and watched the kids play. I gave him a pep talk and off we went – up the steps and into his classroom with lunchbox…still in hand.

Ok mom…so far so good, I thought to myself.

One step into the classroom and that’s when all went downhill.

He looked around. (Kids playing, blowing bubbles, music going, children laughing, teachers all ready to entertain…you get the picture? It was a pretty cheerful environment).

He calmly leaned forward. Placed his Ogres Rock lunchbox onto the floor and made his way…OUT THE DOOR and towards the EXIT sign. I kid you not.

The director then told me to leave as she carried him – against his will – back into the classroom. There was kicking, screaming and things got downright ugly.

He cried for his mommy…as I stood on the outside crying for my baby.

I left the school and hid behind a tree across the street to see what happened next. Sure enough, I saw the director make her way out with Cristian by her side. She was working hard to win him over. She was trying to make him climb the steps so they can go play – to no avail. The only thing I could hear loud and clear was my son yell back “NO!” with serious attitude!

I left. Half an hour later I called the school to see how he was coping. The receptionist said he was still crying but not to worry. I offered to pick him up, they said no.

Half an hour later, the director called to tell me he was fine and not to worry. He was hanging out with the staff inside the office.

Shortly after, my friend Sandra called to say she went to spy on her daughter Natalia and happened to see Cristian out playing with some kids – having fun!

I felt a bit better. But still, was anxiously waiting for noon to roll around so I could pick up my little guy. I was there ten minutes before the hour to find my son outside with the director and the caretaker playing with a balloon and some bubbles.

Here’s what I was told:

- "Your son is adorable." (Gee thanks, like I didn’t know that already.)
- "He’s very intelligent." (Thanks, takes after his mom.)
- "He’s stubborn." (Thanks, takes after his dad.)
- "He loves to share." (Thanks, again….)
- "He’s got a strong character." (Hmm wonder who he takes after?)
- "He’s very attached to you." (And the problem with that is??)

So, once it was said and done, we came to a conclusion.

He’s hard headed and feisty and very strong willed. He would rather hang out with the adults than with kids his own age. Mission of the week? To try and get his little ass inside the classroom with his peers. I’m giving it till Friday. If he’s still miserable and hates it, he’s out! Hanging with me until he’s well and ready….maybe when he’s thirty??