Approaching School, and Learning to ‘Let Go’
Jack starts school at the end of January next year and the time has come to start his kindergarten to school transition process. Jack’s transition process is longer and more involved than what other children would have. The school has arranged for him to have regular visits over a number of months to help with his adjustment to the change.
It took us a long time to find the right school for Jack, a school that would meet his needs and that would also meet our ideals in terms of what we wanted for his education. We have great confidence that the school we have chosen will be the right one for Jack, but it doesn’t take away the anxiety that I feel about Jack starting school.
Steve is more relaxed about the whole ’starting school’ thing. He knows that the time is right and that Jack will manage in the right environment, with good structures and routines, and with good support around him. Deep down I know this too, but I’m still struggling with the idea.
I’m just very protective of my ‘baby’. The biggest thing I am battling is letting go and trusting that he will survive on his own. For so long now I have been by his side protecting him, particularly in social situations. I have given everything I can to him, and I guess I am somewhat frightened as to what will happen if he doesn’t have me with him. He will survive, of course he will, but I still feel anxious.
So for now Steve is in charge of taking Jack for regular visits to school. I will eventually have to face it, probably sooner than I want to, but maybe this is a good learning experience for us all. I just have to learn how to let go, and preferably before I no longer have any choice.
Elissa 
September 22nd, 2007 at 10:45 am
We have as many hard lessons to learn as well as they do.
Sometimes they cope better than us!!
I remember being in your position, and now i cant believe we are now in the transition for my son to leave school soon and go out into the adult world.