Tough Stuff

This morning was a rough one.

I knew it was coming, this difficult time. I sensed it yesterday, and mentioned it to Daryl.

It is all about Laura's shoes. It has always been about the shoes. For a few years now. It doesn't matter how many pairs she has, or how comfortable they are, or what color they are. If she is in a mood (and boy was she in a mood) they just aren't right. I tried to fend it off this morning, giving her ample time to select the appropriate footwear, narrowing down her choices, holding off on the hot from the oven muffins until shoes were on... Nothing worked.

Nada.

The morning rapidly deteriorated, a plant was knocked over, clothes removed, jammies put back on in a screaming fit...

Gavin fortunately knew that his assistance was desperately needed. He dressed Braeden for me, and helped any way he could.

I dressed Laura kicking and screaming, and carried her to the car barefoot. Drove them to school, and then had to carry her into the building, still crying.

I know Laura's teacher well. We have been friends for over 20 years, and I trust her. Completely. I saw the look of caring and concern in her eyes, and am certain that she will comfort  Laura today. But that didn't stop me from crying as I left the room. I felt so guilty.

Why didn't I manage the morning better?
How did I let it get away from me?
Why am I driving my sweet girl and leaving her somewhere else for the day?

I called Daryl, sobbing. He promised he would help me get through this, and that we would make it better. I know we will. There are clear benefits to having a psychologist in the house.

This kindergarten thing is hard for me though. I miss my girl. A lot.

This is a picture of Laura planning her outfit for the next day. She takes this fashion thing pretty seriously.

*I am convinced that part of her problem is exhaustion. We are still actively campaigning to get the school day returned to last years schedule. There are quiet rumors that "something" is being done, but I'm not letting up yet. And for those who have asked, yes the union is involved.

Comments

[Roxanne]

What a hard way to start the day for all of you. Isn't that the worst when you can see it coming, but there is nothing you can do to stop the problem. I hope you find a good solution, and when you do please share! I can see Sydney heading down a similar path...she is a VERY particular girl and can not be rushed. Especially if she is nervous about where we are going.

[Em]

I'm sorry you had a rough start to the day. I understand completely though how you feel. Sometimes it is so hard to know that their day is starting off of the wrong foot and not be able to 'fix' it before you have to stick them in another stressful situation called 'School'. Luckily, I also trust my daughter's teacher, and I know that before lunch time her day will usually have straightened out, and we'll have a good afternoon. I've noticed that it helps tremendously if we make sure she gets plenty of sleep - the Fridays after Girl Scouts are the hardest because we don't usually get home until an hour after bedtime... I hope she's having a better day by the time you read this (((Hugs))) Em

[Emily]

Kindergarten is hard for all, but nearly impossible for a mom whose little girl isn't happy to go...my heart is broken as well for leaving Laura crying, but I KNOW you did the right thing to take her in and leave...she will learn it is fun and great, and not to take sdvantage of you. A hard lesson, but an important one. LOVE YA!
E

[Vallen]

This happened with both my daughters. When we moved to a new state our heretofore calm, rational daughter threw one of those tizzies every morning. Her father even carried her kicking and screaming to the bustop and when she got to school she worked herself up and went to the nurse's office. We tenderly stuck to our guns and her teacher was very understanding and the crazy mornings stopped after a month or so.
The other daughter was just funny. When she was 2 she decided that she would only wear dresses with knee socks despite the freezing temps. Before I could get to the store to buy enough knee socks to last between washings she just tugged on her anklets until they stretched to her knees - sort of.
Who knows what guides kids in their stumbly path. All I know is that knowing you love them seems to be the key to bringing them back to calm.