Here's what I would try to do. Move Ike, but get the school to agree to do it in a gradual way. If they are at all reasonable (not a sure thing...) then they'll realize they owe you that much.
They should be smart enough to help you with the transition, but if not, I'd try some progression like this:
Introduce Ike to the teacher and her room after school everyday for a week. Introduce Ike to the new kids at recess (ideally, they are at recess together already?) Introduce Ike into the new classroom for a little time, eventually progressing up to the entire day.
I think you get the idea. The key is to keep is small and digestible for him. Follow his lead. It will take a lot of effort and patience on your part (and for the teachers involved). I understand about difficult transitions, as our kids don't do them well either.
If you can't get an agreement to help with a gentle transition, then I'm not sure what I'd do in your place. It sounds like the move would be best for Ike in the long run, and I suspect that the trauma of the transition wouldn't be as big as you fear, but he's your kid, and you need to do what you think is right for him. I know it would be a difficult choice for us.
Anyway, good luck with all of this. Sorry you're having to deal, but for those of us watching from the outside, it looks like you're doing a pretty good job.
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branchandroot
My $0.02 (and worth every penny)
Date: 2008-11-10 06:30 pm (UTC)Here's what I would try to do. Move Ike, but get the school to agree to do it in a gradual way. If they are at all reasonable (not a sure thing...) then they'll realize they owe you that much.
They should be smart enough to help you with the transition, but if not, I'd try some progression like this:
Introduce Ike to the teacher and her room after school everyday for a week.
Introduce Ike to the new kids at recess (ideally, they are at recess together already?)
Introduce Ike into the new classroom for a little time, eventually progressing up to the entire day.
I think you get the idea. The key is to keep is small and digestible for him. Follow his lead. It will take a lot of effort and patience on your part (and for the teachers involved). I understand about difficult transitions, as our kids don't do them well either.
If you can't get an agreement to help with a gentle transition, then I'm not sure what I'd do in your place. It sounds like the move would be best for Ike in the long run, and I suspect that the trauma of the transition wouldn't be as big as you fear, but he's your kid, and you need to do what you think is right for him. I know it would be a difficult choice for us.
Anyway, good luck with all of this. Sorry you're having to deal, but for those of us watching from the outside, it looks like you're doing a pretty good job.
-C