Teardrops in the Sandbox

This week we did 2 trial runs at Princeton.

On Tuesday Jackson & I went together.  I wanted to introduce him to his new teacher, classroom and playmates.  Just to ease him into the transition so it's not quite so traumatic on July 6 when he starts full time.  Jackson was a little shy at first, he stayed pretty close and seemed a bit unsure.  But he warmed up quickly and even ventured off to play on his own (with occasional glances in my direction.) 

We participated in free play, morning snack and outdoor play.  I enjoyed the opportunity to see how Miss Kelly runs the classroom.  It will be quite different for Jack.  Obviously, with 10 toddlers in a room, routine is imperative.  They must wash their hands before and after snack when their name is called.  They line up at the door when it's time to walk to the playground.  This kind of structure is exactly what I want for him at this age.  But it will most definitely be a learning curve for Jack - who is used to pretty much ruling the roost.

At any rate, Tuesday's visit was a success.

Which brings us to today.

The plan for Thursday's visit was to leave Jackson there.  I wanted him to understand that I was going to leave - but that I would always come back.  I wanted him to have a chance to interact with the kids and teachers without me in the room.  (I fully recognize that having a parent in the room - which is not a regular occurrence for the other kids - can be a bit of a disruption.)

I was fairly strategic about the timing - again wanting to be there for morning snack and outdoor play since those are two of Jack's favorite things.  I figured the chances were good he would be content and not as freaked out.

When we arrived, I was pleased when he ran straight to the toys and started playing.  I talked to Miss Kelly for a minute, hollered bye bye to Jack and said I would see him in a couple of hours and dashed out the door.  I wanted to make my departure as uneventful as possible as to not prolong his anxiety.  I could hear him crying as I walked down the hall.  But I expected that, so it was okay.

I went back to get him 2 hours later.  They were outside when I got there so I peeked through the window to see how he was doing.  I spotted him right away in the sandbox with a shovel in his hand.  One of his favorite things to do.  He was acting quite normal and appeared to be having fun.  I was thrilled!  I watched him play contentedly for about 2 minutes.  Then, out of nowhere, he face scrunched up and he was crying crocodile tears.  There was no incident - no ouchie, no stolen toy, no confrontation.  Just great big tears.  Gulp.  Momma wasn't prepared for that one.

When I went outside he toddled over with his teary face.  I asked him if he was having fun playing and talked about how cool the sandbox was.  He looked at me and said, "bye bye". 

Miss Kelly told me it went well.  She said he would cry and then get involved in a toy or activity and be perfectly fine for awhile.  Then he would look around the room and cry for a bit.  She said that was quite normal and that he would do great, really.

I'm sure she's right.  The first few days will be an adjustment...for all of us.  But in the long run I know he'll love it there.  And it will be good for him.  Jack will be fine.  And I will, too. 

And so ends the trial run at Princeton.  On Tuesday we go for real.