Daughter is starting kindergarten this fall...?

Question

She was born with a cleft lip/palate, so we're dealing with speech issues. She's doing very well with ST, has made such progress.

How do I go about lessening my anxiety over her starting school? I know that she'll do great, she's so very sociable and intelligent. But inside, I get so anxious about her speech being a problem with the other children.

The teacher has assured me, the principal has assured me... that my daughter will be fine. How do I reassure myself? LOL.

Thanks so much for your encouragement, that's exactly what I need. I've already been through the first days of school with my son, he's now 8. It was hard with him as well, but this time seems different, being that my daughter is my youngest and she was born with the cleft. She's had 7 surgeries so far.
I would love to spend some time with her on the first day of school, you know, like stick around the class... but that will be a problem b/c I wouldn't want to leave, LOL.

Yes... she will be fine... she will be fine. I'll keep telling myself that! Part of my anxieties come from the ignorance of people seeing my daughter when she still had the cleft. There were some awful experiences with people looking at me with a nasty look. :( To us, she was beautiful then, and she's beautiful now. :)

Thanks again...

Answer 1

my daughter will be starting school in the fall and I have fears as well. Children will be children sadly. With a speech problem or not, some kids are just mean. Your daughter will be great. She is going to make a lot of new friends and they will love her for who she is, not for how she sounds or the way she looks...which I am sure she is beautiful. Teachers today are a lot more compassionate to these situations, so I am sure that if one of your daughter's class mates says something, the teacher will be able to explain on a child's level of understanding. You'll see, she is going to blossom perfectly. I had a friend in school with this problem, and I still call her my friend to this day, not for the way she looked or the way she spoke but because inside, she had the most beautiful personality...your daughter will prove to be the same and you will learn the full effects of a child's heart. I wish you luck. Take a breath and enjoy it.

Answer 2

My daughter started kindergarten last fall after having only a few months of ST. She wasn't born with the cleft lip/palate like your daughter however.

What I found out, even though I was terribly nervous about my "baby" going off to kindergarten, is speech problems seem to be more and more these days. When I was in school there was never an "in house" speech therapist, if kids needed help with it they had to go elsewhere.

My daughter started going to the school's ST before kindergarten ever started. It helped her get accustomed to the school and her therapist. Throughout the school year this year she went down to therapy 2x a week - and we found that she was one of a handful in her classroom alone that went down. Though all at different times.

You're daughter will be fine, and it's possible another child may say something - but it's also very common for young ones to need ST so the chances are slim.

Answer 3

I have a similar problem with my son hes starting preschool this year and he has a cleft palate Its scary realizing that they are growing up and that they will have to do things for themselves but you know what if your daughter is anything like my son she will be just fine I'm sure that if she is ready for school then her speech isn't that bad anymore. I also assume that she will be getting speech still while she is in school. If there are any problems the principal or the teachers will tell you. So just relax take a deep breath and remember she will be fine! ~ I wish you the best of luck!!

Answer 4

maybe if you would go with her the first day you could see that she is going to be just fine. That will help your anxiety about the situation and maybe even help your daughter until she is familiar with her teacher and a few kids in the class. You'll see that she will love school and you might be sad that she doesn't care that you leave after a little while.
I was a little upset when you oldest started school. I expected him to cry or be upset about me leaving him there and when he didn't i was very surprised.. I felt like he didn't need me anymore.. (which i realize was a good thing now but... it's sad to have your baby growing up!)

Answer 5

I know this isnt the same.......but my daughter started KG here in the USA after living in England most of her life. She had a British accent when she went to the USA KG. The first day, children said to her that she talked funny. After that, it just disappated and the children didnt think about it anymore. I dont think it will be a big problem and I know that wont ease your worries. I think children that young in age will accept kids for who they are regardless of anything that we might think will call for bullying or a problem. Good luck and try not to worry. She should be fine! I know, easier said than done!!!!!

Take care!

Answer 6

don't worry...you are normal! Most kids find their niche in school! Often if speech has been a problem in the past, it will change as your daughter is exposed to more children. She may notice that she pronounces some things differently and may try to correct this herself! Don't worry, the teachers are right...she will be fine!!

Answer 7

i know that is scary i don't know how i will deal with my daughter going to kindergarden, but my mom told me that is is one of the hardest things i'll do, but i just have to let go. i think once she comes home and tells you how much fun it was that's when you'll get your peace of mind! good luck!

Answer 8

I'm sure she'll be fine... Every mother has anxieties over sending their babies off into the real world, it will get easier as the days 9weeks) go by....I wish you and your daughter the best of luck

Answer 9

she will be right. u cant baby her all her life. let her get out to the real world. she has to do it one day. if u show her how u feel. she might pick it up. be happy. show her. she will be happy if u are. u might hold her back feeling the way u do. good luck but remember to smile

Answer 10

Trust in Jesus!