Transitions

Today marked another big day in the Gater household. James went back to school today (after the 4 day weekend) and joined the 4-year-old class in the afternoon instead of the 3-year-old class that he had been in during the mornings. The decision was difficult and easy to come to at the same time for David and me. Difficult because it is hard to know what will be the best placement for him. Is the time of the class going to be a problem since it means that he definitely won't be napping anymore? Will the fact that we will still drop Kayla off in the morning but then not go to his school as per the usual cause him to melt down? Will the change affect one or more of the rest of us? Easy because we knew he needed a change and that something had to give.

So we chose this solution... for now. And yes, the answer is yes to all the above questions. It has been a very difficult day and James has not been adjusting well at all. Things that were once easy, no-brainer tasks are met with absolute refusal and claims like "I can't!" or "I don't want to!" He is also exhausted. Getting up as early as he does (sometimes as early as 6:00) and then having no nap or rest time has caused a very early bedtime tonight of 7:30.

Hopefully this will all smooth out over time otherwise we may be in for a very long, very cranky year. Please continue to pray for all of us as we adjust. Please also pray that if there is a better placement for James available out there somewhere that we would find out and make a way for him to be there. But for now we are hopeful that the older classmates (most are 4 and some are 5) plus the more advanced Kindergarten readiness objectives in the classroom will offer James the stimulation that he desires. And as usual any suggestions or assistance are greatly appreciated.