First Day Tips

I am often asked by my mommy friends to give some advice on various things related to school. So as the first day is quickly approaching here is my list of first week tips.

* If you or your child need to meet the teacher prior to school to help ease anxiety, set it up in advance. Teachers are very busy the few days prior to school opening and the first day. If you call or e-mail to set up a time, you won't be interrupting her in the middle of something, and she will be thankful for that.

* The first day is hard for everyone - you, your child, and the teacher. Your child may cling to you and cry - you have to let go and try not to get upset yourself (wait until your in your car). Your teacher will do the best to talk your child away from you - if that doesn't work then they will need to gently pull your child away (trust me this is just as hard for the teacher as it is for you). But if you get upset - then your child thinks that something is wrong and they will continue to be upset. 95% of the time - once the child is in the classroom and settled - they are fine. You can call or e-mail from home to find out.

* You should get a letter from your child's teacher prior to the first day of school introducing herself/himself and giving you a list of supplies needed for class. Bring the supplies on the first day of school - and only those things listed. Let's say their wasn't a pencil box listed on the supplies list - and your daughter really wants the flowered one at Target so you get it. Once school starts, you realize the teacher already had one for your child. Now you have an upset child because she can't have the flowered one, and you have put the teacher in an awkward position. She doesn't want to upset your child, yet she order specific pencil boxes because over the years she has discovered what works and what doesn't.

* The teacher needs to know certain information -allergies, anxieties, anything big happening at home that could be affecting your child. I send home a form that asks parents to tell me about their child - it has things on it like their favorite subject - what they like don't like - fears for the school year - strengths, etc. If you don't get something like this within the first week of school, you might want to send an e-mail highlighting a few of these areas.

* The teacher doesn't need to know certain information - "This summer Little Jimmy read all of the Harry Potter books, and comprehends everything in there. He can add and subtract in his head and ask him any multiplication fact he can tell you." This is called bragging people - and although this information at times will be helpful the first day is not the time - the teacher needs to find out for themselves. All teachers have reading, writing, and math assessments. They will assess your child and know for sure how to help them in the classroom. What children can do at home and what they can do at school, are sometimes two different things.

* Be careful of what you talk about in front of your child - they will tell me (the teacher). You would be surprised at what I hear - do you really want the teacher and classmates (who will then go home and tell their parents) to hear that you have been trying to get pregnant but can't and are seeking fertility treatments??!! True story - I heard it and so did the 19 other kids in class. Another biggie is talking about other staff members (or other parents) of the school in front of your child. "My mom said that Mrs. Nice (another teacher in the school) doesn't know what she is talking about." True story - I (and five children) heard it. Kids don't always understand what you say - and they have no idea what sarcasm is yet. Be careful!!! Oh and they are learning phonics and spelling - so spelling out words to talk about someone may not work for you by the time they go to Kindergarten.

* I sometimes get drawings or a little note from the child on the first day of school, and it warms my heart:) It lets me know that this child is really happy to be in my class.

I think that's it for now - of course after Monday I may have a few things to add. Above all know that your child's teacher wants to work with you to make the year as great as possible for you and your child. The first few days are hard for her/him as there is so much to do - so give them time.

Lucky for me CS is the one taking CJ to school - otherwise I think I would break a few of these tips myself and not do them:) Good luck! And remember Christmas break will be here before you know it!!

Ready For Kindergarten?!

Tomorrow is it...well really Tuesday. Tomorrow CJ and CS go to school for an orientation. Tuesday CJ goes all by himself - all day long!!! I can't believe it. Time truly goes by so fast. I thought this day was so far away. Are we ready??? Yes in the sense that we have everything we need - crayons, pencils, erasers, pencil box, folders, even a WALL-E backpack and lunchbox. CJ's name is labeled on everything, backpack waiting. Now - are we ready??? Not in the emotional sense. Even CS gets a little misty about Kindergarten - he is losing his daytime playmate. Even though I am sad that I have to work and can't take CJ to school for his first time - it's probably better that way because you all know me - I cry over everything! CJ himself is torn - he likes school, but doesn't know what this Kindergarten is we keep talking about. He is confused because we have a sitter picking him up two days a week - but to him daddy is the only one that is supposed to pick him up. Then there are the times he seems excited about going. We'll see.

I have talked to the school nurse, CJ's teacher, and the special ed. teacher. They have done a good job of relieving some of my concerns. Everyone on staff at his school seem very nice.

Please think of us next week as we begin a new journey!

J-E-T-S

Jets, Jets, Jets! CJ went to his first Jets game a few weeks ago - pre-season game. He had a great time! Lots to look at, and of course the snacks!!!

Birthday Celebration #3

The birthday celebrations ended with a party at the local train museum. This is the birthday party CJ has been asking for. He did a great job of holding it together. I am so proud of him. First, the kids watched the model trains for about 45 minutes - it was hard to tear CJ away from this. Then we walked across the street to a room where I had the cake and crafts set up. We sang (yep sang - CJ actually wanted everyone to sing happy birthday!) happy birthday, then the party guests set out to decorate their own piece of a train. I had out frosting and every candy you could thing of! I think this may have been the hit of the party. Then the guests could decorate a visor with train, planes, and car foam stickers, and make a vehicle necklace. CJ did his own thing most of the time, but he tried really hard to not be fresh. He had a few problems with one of the younger guests, but was able to hold it together. When we got home, we opened presents and boy do his friends know him! He got a big truck, motorcycles, and monster trucks! All his favorite vehicles! Thanks everyone for a great birthday!

Day 2

Today is CJ's official birthday! Where did the time go?? How quickly five years goes by. At 2:59 pm CJ came into this world only crying a little. He was very bright eyed and seemed eager to take in his new surroundings! Those first few months were tough - sleep was only here and there, and we watched CJ so closely to see what new things he would do. Now he is five and off to Kindergarten in a few weeks.

Today we are planning to go and buy the decorations for his party on Saturday. Then we are going out for a special lunch. For dinner it's pizza of course and a special treat. This is CJ's kind of day!!

Happy Birthday to my favorite little boy!!

Let the Celebrating Begin

Yesterday was the beginning of the 5th birthday celebrations for CJ. He is turning 5 on Wednesday! I can't believe it - 5 years have gone so fast, but that's another post! Yesterday we got together with family to celebrate. CJ was overly excited about this celebration - presents, cupcakes, pizza! He got some great new toys to play with - a fireman dress up set, a racetrack for all those hot wheels he has, a helicopter and a WALL-E. His day was made!! I don't think he has put the WALL-E done yet - he even asked to sleep with it. We told him he could put it on the desk in his room, but not sleep with it. WALL-E talks and his eyes light up. Very cool!! CJ put on all the fireman gear and said, "Look at me, I'm a real fireman!" So cute!! Thank you family for a great day!!! CJ is a lucky little boy to have such a wonderful family!!!

Bridal Shower Blast

Last night a friend and I threw a bridal shower for J. I had a great time!! It was fun to see a bunch of moms get together, chat (and not just about their children) and laugh. Must have more mom get togethers!!! Thanks J for letting us throw you a shower:)