Starting Montessori in the Fall-- Any Tips?

[cakemama579]

Hi Everyone,

My DS is 2.5 yrs old, and will be starting at a 5-day a week Montessori school this fall. He'll be in the "nappers" program 2 or 3 days a week also, as I am in nursing school and some days are loooooooong days where I won't be able to pick him up at the usual 11:30 time.

DS has been home with me since birth, and this is his first time of doing any sort of program without me. We've taken many art/music/yoga classes together though!

I'm petrified, as this is my only child, and having serious mommy guilt about him being in school for so long, so any reassurance is welcome. Also, I would love to hear stories about your LOs and their first days/experiences at Montessori.

Thanks!

Sarah

[mommy22boys]

Aw I know how you feel! I'm subscribing to this, my DS is also starting in Fall, and has never been away from me at all.

[Joyster]

I remember sending my first to school at 3 years of age. (I'm a SAHM) For the first week he LOVED it, I had to drag him home kicking and screaming. The second week, he bawled his eyes out. The third week, he was back to enjoying it immensely and has just completed his second year. I still sometimes feel guilty, but it offers so much that I cannot give him, his own little life, tonnes of friends, amazing qualified teachers in everything from academics, piano, watercolours, martial arts, there is no way I could provide such an enriched environment.

My second, he was fine the first day, cried for the next two weeks, (he would always stop the minute he turned into his classroom) and now he doesn't even look back when he gets his inside shoes on. He loves school, his friends, his teachers. He talks about his teachers all the time and is making huge progress.

I think accepting that there is going to be some separation anxiety and some changes in their behaviour until they get used to the routine is a good way to go. My friends who are WOHM's all assured me how normal the pattern is. Having faith in your choice and that you've chosen the right school for him is another. It's hard, especially with your first and only. With my second, it was a bit easier dealing with the anxiety because I knew the people he was dealing with and knew he'd be well loved.

It was really important for me at this age (casa and pre casa) that the teachers were very nurturing towards the students. Most of the teachers are mothers and are great at redirecting and supporting little ones through their upsets. So if you've found a school that you feel supports your parenting views, where your child will be well supported in addition to educated, and have a realistic view that chances are, there are going to be some tears and crying, you're better prepared for the separation. Your little on, chances are, will get accustomed in a couple of weeks and will be marching in under his own steam.

[cakemama579]

Thanks Joyster. I know after having observed the classes that the teachers are all very, very nurturing and kind toward their students, and most of them have been there since the school's inception 20+ years ago. I know he is in good hands.

And thank you for the reality check on emotions. I have to expect it to be a difficult transition in order for us to be able to get through it. I hope (with fingers crossed) that DS will ease right in, but am prepared for many tears. I just hope that it isn't too much to fast for him. Did your boys both go full-steam ahead into the five day program? Or were they more part time? The people at the montessori school seem to think it is actually better to go the full 5 days: faster recovery time and less of a feeling of missing out on anything. What's your take on that?