Motessori-gate, Day 3

As I suspected would be the case, Lily's enthusiasm for her new school has dwindled a bit with each passing day. Noah and I still think that this is absolutely the right place for her to be, but I think that we're all in for a rough September.

Daily Reports:

Day 1 -- LOVED the kids and super nice teachers. Lily adjusted well to the new classroom, rules and schedule. She got a glowing report from Ms. Jane and had lots of positive things to say about school upon pick-up. [2 thumbs up!]

Day 2 -- Lily woke up and suggested that we do a girl's day instead of school. When I told her that I had to go to work, she immediately turned to Noah and lobbied for a "daddy daughter day." I could see that she was struggling, so I suggested that we all go to drop her off again; Anna and me included. She went along for the ride and reluctantly said good-bye, but only after spotting her new friend, Carley. Noah discovered a happy kid at the end of the day, and he got to meet Coach Mike, whom Lily now raves about. At bed time, though, Lily confided that she'd cried for us during the day...but just a little bit. [1 thumb up]

Day 3 -- Total meltdown, almost from the time she woke up this morning. Lots of tears. Lots of pleading. (Lots 'o mommy guilt.) A wonderfully kind teacher's aid took Lily off Noah's hands upon arrival (more likely she peeled Lily off Noah's leg...literally); hopefully the crying didn't last long after he left. I'm on pick-up duty this evening. My fingers are crossed that she was able to pull it together and have a good day. [no thumbs up]

If her disheveled hair and filthy clothes at the end of the day are any indication of how much/hard she's played at school, she's actually having a wonderful time...in spite of the tears. She certainly hasn't lost her spunk, and she can still make us all laugh. Especially the baby.



Hopefully tomorrow -- with it's proximity to the weekend -- will see an improvement.

Then again, Lily definitely does march to the beat of her own drum. She's a remarkable kid, but she's determined to do things when she wants to do them, on her own schedule.

Her transitions from one classroom to another at the Huck were always fraught with some drama or another. She's just trying to show us who's boss (as if there were any doubts!). For our sake and, really, for hers, though, I hope the painful part of this transition passes quickly.