Kyle's first day of school.

So I dropped Kyle off at his first day of school this morning (Jan.3,2007). It went something like this:

We pull into the parking lot of the school.

Dad: This is your new school Kyle. Do you remember it?
Kyle: Yeah. But I already came here, with Mommy.
Kyle: Hey, there’s the playground!
Dad: Yep, that’s where you’ll play with the other boys and girls.
Kyle: Are you going to stay here with me?
Dad: No Kyle, I have to go to work.
Kyle: But… Is MOMMY going to stay here with me?
Dad: No, but she is going to come later with Katelyn to bring you home.
Kyle: [loudly] But I just don’t want to be here all by myself.
Dad: Kyle, you won’t be here by yourself, there are other kids and teachers here who will play with you.
Kyle: [crying] But I just don’t want to go to school by myself.
Dad: I think you’ll be fine Kyle. Let’s just go inside the school and take a look around.
Kyle: [crying] Up Up Up. I just want you to hold me.
Dad: Kyle, you can walk – I have too many things to carry. How about I hold your hand?
Kyle: [crying] O K

We walk into the school and I sign him in.

Teacher Denise (school director and teacher for the 4-6yr olds) comes into the office.

Denise: Good morning Kyle
Dad: Kyle, this is Teacher Denise. Do you want to say hi to her?
Kyle: [hiding behind Dad’s leg] I just don’t want to talk to that teacher.
Denise: Oh, are we having a hard time this morning?
Dad: He’ll be fine.
Dad: Come on Kyle, let’s go find your cubby and put your stuff (lunch, blanket, pillow, extra clothes) away.
Kyle: [standing in doorway of classroom, but no longer crying] But I’m just scared.
Dad: It’s OK Kyle – come over here; let’s put your stuff away.
Denise: He’ll be fine once he starts playing with the other kids.
Dad: I know. I’m not worried.

I give Denise the family picture they asked us to bring so they can tape it inside his cubby. Kyle wanders over to where the toys are. Denise opens and inspects his lunch to see what we packed for him (pb&j, carrots, wheat thins, milk), then zips it back up. (I guess we did OK – I didn’t get any reprimand. J )

Kyle: [standing by the toy shelf] What are these?
Denise: Those are counting blocks
Kyle: But can we play with them?
Denise: Yes, you can play with them. Do you want me to show you how to use them for counting?

I walk with Denise over to where Kyle is standing.

Dad: Is there anything else you need me to do before I go?
Denise: No, I saw you signed him in, we’re all set.
Dad: OK Kyle, I have to go to work. I will see you later OK?
Kyle: OK
Dad: Can I have a kiss?
Kyle: [ignoring the request - continues to look at the toys on the shelf]
Dad: [gives Kyle a kiss on the cheek] Mommy will be here at four o’clock to pick you up.
Kyle [still ignoring and fiddling with blocks]
Dad: Goodbye Kyle.

And out the door I go. Fairly typical first drop off I would guess.