The first few days of kindergarten are tough, so we try to be very gentle with our newest students. I had one little boy who needed extra encouragement coming in to the building for the first few days. The second day of school our conversation went something like this.
"I just don't think I can do it, the day is just so long! I feel like I should just go right to college."
"Well sweetheart, there might be some things you have to learn before you go to college, so do you think we could try to make it through the first week together before you decide to quit? Let's keep checking in to see how things are going, ok?" I asked.
"Could we check in not in a week but like, today?"
"Of course."
"But I just miss my mom so much!"
The next morning we sat on the sidewalk for a few minutes when he got off of the bus so that I could wipe a few tears and give a pep talk. A few days later I decided to chance it and ask if he was ready to quit or if he wanted to stay. Luckily I received a big thumbs up and a toothy smile. I'm happy to report that he has decided to put college off for at least a few more years.
"I just don't think I can do it, the day is just so long! I feel like I should just go right to college."
"Well sweetheart, there might be some things you have to learn before you go to college, so do you think we could try to make it through the first week together before you decide to quit? Let's keep checking in to see how things are going, ok?" I asked.
"Could we check in not in a week but like, today?"
"Of course."
"But I just miss my mom so much!"
The next morning we sat on the sidewalk for a few minutes when he got off of the bus so that I could wipe a few tears and give a pep talk. A few days later I decided to chance it and ask if he was ready to quit or if he wanted to stay. Luckily I received a big thumbs up and a toothy smile. I'm happy to report that he has decided to put college off for at least a few more years.