[crick]

All good advice...

I'd just add that even at older ages, kids still take a bit of time to adjust to school. The new schedule, people, homework etc. My kids behave at school and as soon as they get off the bus they unleash into something else. It's like they have to get all that stress out of their heads and bodies after being at school all day. And yes, bedtime is also an adjustment.

Over the years some things I've done to help that you might try if you decide to keep them in school -

Let them play hard after school - run around yelling if they must. It's a great stress reliever and even 15 min. of all out crazy play (safe of course) really seems to help them unwind.

Start wind down time an hour before bed. Usually my kids are done with homework by then and instead of letting them run around, I have them play a quiet game, read with them, or some other quiet activity. I've found if they are really active before bed, it takes them longer to settle down once in bed. I typically have them go to bed at 8:30 and by 9 they are usually asleep.

Another thing I do that seems to help them with the mental tiredness is fish oil vitamins. Obviously talk to your doctor about it, but for us I truly do notice a difference. (they make them with the gummy kind so the kids don't taste the fish)

[angel_bayou]

I would give them a little while longer, which I know can be VERY hard, but they may be testing you! My two girls just started pre-school one day a week and they were not happy about it. I too wanted to take them out after day one but decided to wait a little longer!

Here we don't have a choice to hold our kids out another year once they turn 5 I'm glad some places allow this because I think parents know if their children are ready!!

[shelbydog]

I would find out if they are okay during class. If they are, you are dealing with normal adjustment and it does take about a month I found. My son did it with only 1/2 day kindergarten! He was a mess when he got home....so we did alot of downtime play - I read books to him, we watched a movie. I am preparing myself this year as he starts 1st grade and will be full day. Find out from the teacher how they are during school and if they are fine, I'd leave them be. Good luck and hope it gets better!

[NeeNee]

I know I was fortunate with my daughter's. The teacher they had would actually do "rest time" for 20 minutes or so in the afternoon. There are at least five kindergarten teachers in their school and she is the only one to do that. She stopped it around Thanksgiving time once the kids were adjusted to school.

When they get home from school I would let them have a snack and rest in front of the tv for a while.
I agree with the other poster. Put the boys to be early...like at 7pm. That gives them time to talk and whatever. Can you have their clothes all set out for the morning and have them hop right into the when the get out of bed. Doing that saved me quite a bit of time for some reason vs. after they ate breakfast. If there is any way to leave them in bed even 10 more minutes in the morning I would do it.

This is our routine: Get up, dress, down for breakfast, NO TV, brush teeth, wash, hair, shoes on. That's pretty much it. I try to have the backpacks ready for them.

Oh...make sure backpacks are ready the night before and even jackets out, all save time. One really important thing I have realized is to have the shoes ready too! Untied and ready to put on. Such time savers and I don't wind up so stressed...Okay...yelling...as we go out the door that we're going to be late! *L*

[carolynpep73]

Sometimes it is best to allow a child another year before K. I can think of only a couple of times when a parent pulled a child from school after school had started. If your sons' birthdays are between the months of June-August and you really think it would help, then pull them out. Their B-day is late enough that it won't set them apart too much from their (K) peers next year. On the other hand, if they are "older" K students (say, Sept-Dec/Jan B-days) and they are academically ready, then I would say no, try to leave them in school and ride it out. Let their bodies adjust to the new routine. K is very intense now. It is nothing like what it was even 10 years ago. It takes its toll but their body will sync eventually. Good luck! Whatever decision you make I'm sure it will be the right one!!

[FourAndDone]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I spoke with both of their teachers (they are in different classes) and both reported absolutely no problems in school. One turns 6 in December and one in March so no problems with age. I do have help 2 days a week and relish it! Homeschooling and 1/2 day school is not possible because I work. So, I did move bedtime back to 7:30 and have all clothes, backpacks and lunches ready to go at night, always have always will. I have considered letting them sleep in the uniforms.

I like the idea of letting them run. I hate it when they run in the house but downstairs would be fine. I might also try the quiet time after we get home. Who knows, maybe one of them will work.

I spoke with one other mother and apparently the physical adjustment does take some time. The preschool teacher told me the first 9 weeks are a marathon. I can't imagine another 6 weeks of this, but I will wait it out. Both boys have a "rest" period in the middle of the day, but it is not enough. Hopefully they will adjust.

Thanks for all your suggestions and support.

Diane
Mom to 3 great boys

[carolynpep73]

Sounds like you're doing the right thing. If they're functioning at school well, then they just need time to adjust to the whole routine. Have a wonderful weekend!

[kimy]

Oh how I remember the days of my first son... I was horrid on the way home and until he went to bed . We had to put him to bed at 7pm and get him up at 6:20.
He went to bed then so at least we didn't have that prob.. It took several months for him to adjust.
I did notice that if he could have some alone time when he got home things were a bit better .. He just wanted to gel out in front of the TV by himslef.
I'd say don't pull them out-- they will adjust.
I know it's hard -- try to hang in there.
Kim