Hi-Ho, Hi-ho… it’s back to school they go!!
I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned it… but we’ve had a tough six weeks summer holiday! Oh, I have, yes.. just a few times!!
Anyway, the day has finally come that both our children have returned to school and I for one am pleased as punch! I know it sounds really cruel and I feel rotten when I read statuses saying how much mums are going to miss their little darlings now they are back to school.. but I’m not one of them. Its been a bloody hard slog!
Quite often… I lie… very often (!) I would be asked by Ellie if I would miss her when she goes back to school, (which usually comes half an hour after she’s got very cross about not having a third packet of crisps of the day!) and of course I say “yes” (see, not entirely heartless) but I’m simply not that good an actress… I know she sees right through me!
I love the part of the holidays when you’re not having to do the lunches, wash the uniform and you can ignore the clock in the evening, it is bliss. However, six weeks of it is just too long. Even with little angels for children, I still think I would find it too long… or just too expensive!
Anyway, I am hoping that yesterday we turned a bit of a corner… not a full 90 degrees, but a slight bend in the road!
Last week, I emailed key special needs staff at school and gave them the lowdown on what had been happening over the holidays. I figured it would be better to catch them before the rush of children return and I was right!
I was relieved to get an email back last week from the school Senco who then arranged a meeting for yesterday with myself, hubby, Ellie along with the school PFSA (parent & family support assistant) to talk through what had been going on. The senco explained the feelings Ellie had been having and how her reactions to this were not appropriate. Along with lots of drawings and explanation, I think (I hope) the penny dropped. Just having someone in authority sit and talk to her really helped. If I had done it, I would’ve either messed it up or would’ve biten back at any sign of attitude.
We’ve also managed to get Ellie down for some counselling at school, as we believe that the loss of my mum is only just really hitting home with her 18 months after her passing.
So, with some strategies in place, and making some tweaks to the morning routine, today went very smoothly, though I’m certainly not getting cocky!
I suppose what all this waffle is about is being pro-active and not afraid to speak up. If I hadn’t sent the email, we wouldn’t have had the meeting before Ellie went back to school, she wouldn’t be on a waiting list to see a counsellor and all this would’ve taken much longer… all the while, not doing any of us any good.
What I’m trying to say is… don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for help… and if that doesn’t work… start shouting!
Until next time,
Love & hugs xxx
Tales of a Mother's Daughter 