Heart Wrenching Moment – Going to School Again
As I wrote this, it has been about 10 months since my son entered childcare. From what I heard, kids are likely to stop crying after 6 months. However, it has been 10 months and he is still crying almost every single day when I drop him off at the childcare. Of course, there were days which were better but there were some days which were heart wrenching.
It is NOT easy, especially more so now when he is able to articulate his feelings. He express his disapproval of going to school as we approached school. All I could was to persuade him with the benefits of school while he places his head on my shoulders and cries in desperation. People I spoke with said it was necessary to be persistent but it became a test between us.
I have asked questions along the line of, “Did anyone bully you in school?” ” Are the teachers fierce to you?” and I got a firm “NO” in response. There were days where he enjoyed his time in the childcare and wouldn’t want to leave when we were 
there to pick him up. His friends made him feel welcome too, by offering sweet gestures like helping him with his school bag, water bottle and even his shoes as he leaves.
So it made me pondered – Why wouldn’t he want to go to childcare?
I did ask him before is it because he didn’t want to be separate from me and his answer is “Yes”. Much as I am happy that he didn’t want to be separated from me but I also want to do what is best for him. So the question is how best can I help him ease into it?
By spending more time with him might mean that he would be more attached to me. However, it isn’t feasible to spend lesser time with him in order to solve this.. So that leaves me in a dilemma. Of course, his teachers have told me it would only be for the initial 5 to 10 minutes, but this doesn’t make me or him feel better. It leaves me hanging for the rest of my day, wondering what can I do better or should I pick him up earlier instead.
Anyone had similar situations? Care to share with me your story? I have tried all methods and nothing seems to be working and especially of late. He even refused to wear his uniform despite me explaining to him with or without uniform he still has to go childcare. We would send him to the childcare without his uniform and change him into a new set of uniform after showering. Sigh, until I find a better solution way around it, else I guess I just have to play by ear as each day comes…
About Author
Felicia Tan, speaker, blogger and author of To Baby With Love, Lost And Found and A Gift From Heaven draws her experience from two miscarriages and one rainbow baby, had a deep understanding of the issues faced by pregnant mothers, mothers who have lost their children and being a mother.
Having gone through an arduous journey filled with disappointments, she started Art Of Life to share about her journey and how she overcame them through a positive mindset.
Her stories has led to features on The Straits Times, Motherhood, Young Parents and more.
Read more about her.
https://www.babyclub.com.sg/heart-wrenching-moment-school-2/FeaturedParentingAs I wrote this, it has been about 10 months since my son entered childcare. From what I heard, kids are likely to stop crying after 6 months. However, it has been 10 months and he is still crying almost every single day when I drop him off at...Felicia TanFelicia
Tanfeliciatan@babyclub.com.sgAuthorBaby Club Singapore