My husband and I don't think it would be a good thing if we enroll him in school this year. The thing is since he just now came into our home we don't want him to be put under stress with being in a new home and starting kindergarten all at the same time. Has anybody had been through this. We just want to do the right thing.
2006-07-13 16:24:05 · 17 answers · asked by teresa.sicking@sbcglobal.net 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
You all have great answers. These answers helps me to see this matter in a different view. Thanks
2006-07-13 16:39:14 · update #1
Well, as a teacher - my suggestion is this - children are more resiliant than we give them credit for. You don't mention if the child is adopted from another country - which can have it's own set of issues and you'd be right to hold off one year until the child can adjust a little more, but the sooner you take the child into the community, church, and school environment, the sooner he will adjust. He only needs to know that his mom and dad are there for him, love him, and want the best for him. You be there to answer his questions and to love him. He will love school! Books, colors, drawing, painting, socializing, being involved loved by the teacher will be other positive things he will want. It's like being loved in a circle - all around him there is love and attention. He will not be stressed out. Just take time with him. If you are still not comfortable - let him sit the year out, but take him to the school - walk around the building, sit on the playground -then go inside, meet the principal and allow him/her to know what's going on. They may have some suggestions to help ease your son into the school enviironment. Go and sit in on some of the classes. Let him see the activities the kids are involved in - kids love play and learning - he'll want to get involved I believe. Just knowing you have so much love to offer is doing the right thing. I pray for your family and encourage you in your new venture.
2006-07-13 16:36:35 · answer #1 · answered by THE SINGER 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Hi Teresa.
Congratulations on becoming Mommy. It is a wonderful feeling isn't it? I think it is wonderful that you are seeking advice on this important decision. Your "We just want to do the right thing" , really struck a chord with me. I can relate to the many tough decisions I have had to make for my daughter. I am an adoptive mother and have been an elementary school teacher for 11 years, many of those in Kindergarten. Both from personal and professional experience, I can tell you that the answer above from "The Singer" is sound advice. Kindergarten will provide him with a safe , structured , accepting, social environment that will reinforce his positive new home environment. I have taught several adopted children and it worked out just fine. I would recommend that you speak to the principal to select a teacher she feels would be sensitive to your son's needs. Before school begins, I would suggest you conference with the teacher and establish a working relationship with her. Then throughout the school year, keep the lines of communication with her open. Remember, beginning kindergarten is a transition for ALL children. For this reason, kindergarten teachers are generally more prepared , patient , and sensitive to children in transition than 1st grade teachers. Your son will find that ALL his classmates are in a transition time just like he is. Trust me, when he adjusts and you sneak a peek through his classroom window and see his little smiling face enjoying the camaraderie with his peers, you will be you glad you did.
Best wishes and God Bless
2006-07-16 12:14:31 · answer #2 · answered by cstoa10 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on a lot of things...
If he's been living in an orphanage overseas, he may also be struggling with English language - you may want to get him into some playgroups or a smaller daycare setting where he can begin to interact with a few kids in a low-pressure, low-key kind of way. You're right to think it may be overwhelming for him in this situation.
But if he's lived in the U.S. up until this point, he's probably been in some form of schooling up till now, right? Pre-school or a daycare setting - something that might make the transition to kindergarten easier than you suspect.
Another idea is to enroll him in a Montessori class which helps kids learn at their own pace and in through play.
2006-07-15 23:45:18 · answer #3 · answered by ABBMAMA 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well that depends on the child... Now if the child is an outgoing child who enjoys being around other children then enroll him in school asap but if he doesnt get along with children too well and he is shy wait a school year too get to kno each other but.. You have to take him to playgrounds and make playdates for him You should also buy tapes for him and books BIG pencils and plenty of coloring books and utensils and make sure he knows his ABC's, 123's,how to count by 5's and 10's. and how to read small books this way he will still be ready for school and he gets to get settled n
2006-07-13 23:56:01 · answer #4 · answered by DaDzCe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I haven't been through this in exactly the same way you have. There were three of us, and my parents adopted four more kids. I think that the most beneficial thing that my parents did for all of us is to make life as normal as possible. I think that in doing this, they were able to make my two adopted sisters and two adopted brothers feel less like adoptees. Another way to look at it? If the child were not fortunate enough to have been adopted by you and your husband, he would be in school in the fall....
2006-07-13 23:31:35 · answer #5 · answered by livvingepistle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A big congratulations. However enroll him in school. This will give the child a sence of belonging and normalicy. Honestly there will be more stress put on you than the child. Children are very resilient. Adults however are not. I wish all of you the very best.
2006-07-13 23:30:37 · answer #6 · answered by disgruntled personage 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never adopted a kid, but I would think the best thing would be to get him started on as normal a schedule as possible. I would send him to school. If he has major issues, you can always wait another year, but with him being five he needs the intellectual stimulation as well as being around other kids his age. Good luck and congrats.
2006-07-13 23:28:07 · answer #7 · answered by heidielizabeth69 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
thats is a good news c that u finish all the formalites in the place that u adopted. give him love hoew much u can u have 2 take care of him as ur own son ok i m a 19 yera old boy my parents give me love that is y i m in a good position but dont mistake me i m not a adopted child but the only remedy 4 this is LOVEu show on him
2006-07-13 23:40:55 · answer #8 · answered by KARTHIK 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's five mom, not from outerspace! He will want to be in school where he can meet all the neighborhood kids his age that are also going to school. Let that child go, you will be fine mom, I can pretty much guarantee that he is fine, and you are the ones having a hard time.
2006-07-13 23:33:14 · answer #9 · answered by Kimmy K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he is at the age to start kindergarten I think it is the law that you have to enroll him.That might not be true but I think it is.You should check with the local school to see if that is possible.
2006-07-13 23:29:35 · answer #10 · answered by dollyfan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋