Kindergarten is hard, y'all

There have been some growing pains this year. Mostly, they've been mine.

My boy is feeling the effects of not having a nap-time after lunch, even if he did his very best every day last year to keep himself not sleeping and preoccupied with a whispered song or staring at the kid on a covert crayon-stealing operation or just an errant thread. This year, rest time is trying hard to stay still on his spot on the rug while the teacher reads a book to the class.

He loves it.

And then he comes home and yawns and climbs on my lap and stomps around the house until he finally lets his body fall completely limp into bed. He's exhausted.

I, however, need much more than a nap. Or even for him to nap. I am struggling.

I recognize now more than ever (and I said many prayers of thanks before now) how lucky we were  that he was in a pre-K that was open to kids from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. I could work full-time guiltlessly and pick him up -- sometimes in tears and begging to stay later -- after putting in a long day.

But kindergarten is the real deal and the day goes from 9 in the morning until 2:45 in the afternoon. I'm cramming as much of my own work as I can into Lil E's school day, rushing to get him, bringing him home to do homework, have snack, try and make playing quietly while I finish work seem AMAZING! and FUN! and SUCH A GREAT IDEA!

I thought it might take a bit of getting used to. I just didn't account for all the time and energy and calm-voiced coaching he'd need to come up with a list of words that begin with the letter K. I love sitting there with him over a bowl of goldfish and brainstorming and reminding him where to slip in a silent E. It's honestly my pleasure.

But damn, it's hard work. Then it's dinner and bath and our overly complex bedtime ritual (that's my bad) and a deep breath and I'm back to work again. There's very little chance I could sit still on a spot on a rug after all of that. Without falling asleep.

I'm not sure how to work this all out. The after-school care option is just not one I will consider. And I was so set on training Lil E -- and myself -- to make this work without outside help. But...but...I'd love to get over some magical mountain of logistics, to find our rhythm, to just get my stuff together already. Or maybe I'd love to hire a sitter to pick him up after school more. I'm too tired to think on it too much.

Something will eventually have to give and so it will. Until then, I will be hunting down six or seven juice boxes filled with anything caffeinated.

Have tips? Advice? Raised fists in solidarity for how challenging kindy days are? Offer it up!

Comments

[foodmomiac]

It's definitely an investment, but I'm a huge fan of the after school sitter. Even if you only do it 2-3 days/week, that would be a help. And usually, you can find a sitter who also is great at helping with homework.

[Robyn - Who's the Boss?]

I went through the same thing last year when my son started kindergarten.

First of all, it gets better as you both get used to the routine.

Second, put him in that after care program a couple days a week to give yourself the time to work late. Or hire a sitter. Whichever works better for your situation.