Starting school

29/08/2011 by spindlygiraffe.

In a week’s time, his uniform will be out, his PE bag packed and he will be setting off for school.  Full days from the start.  Is he looking forward to it? No.

Does he have a choice about it?  No.

How do I feel about it? OK ish

Will he be ok? Definitely.

His teacher seems ace and I’ve heard fantastic reports about him. (Just had to go in to James, itchy, awake, disturbed sleep… hate it).   I’ve written notes for the teacher.  James has informed me he will not put on cream in school.  I think he will do as he is told though, if they can just get him in the habit, break and lunchtime.  Then it is up to them at other times of the day, as appropriate, to remind / tell him.

James does not like change.  He does not want to be away from me.  He does get anxious.  I get anxious too, I get anxious about him getting anxious.  When he is anxious he scratches.  When he worries, he scratches.  When he is concentrating he scratches.  He thinks nothing of pulling up his t shirt and having a good ol’ dig at wherever is itchy.  When he gets hot is head gets really itchy.  I imagine after playtime all he will be able to do, is scratch.  Not nits, still eczema.

In reception they have lots of practical, messy activities.  I hope he uses his cream.  He has huge hacks on his hands at the moment.  Really deep.

I worry about what others will say, I was looking at his little arms today as he was wearing a short sleeved t shirt.  What about his ankles and feet when he is doing PE?  I have a book ‘Rachel has eczema’ from the library, but I don’t want to make him too conscious of his skin.  We haven’t read it together.  I’ve said little things about others not having to have cream, he knows his sister doesn’t

So many questions, only time will tell.  I don’t think the fact that being a teacher and knowing how busy the classroom is helps.  I know how difficult it can be to look after all 30 pupils and ensure they have what they need, where they need it.  Eczema is just another thing to add to the list.

I worry about his tiredness.  I expect reception children to be tired.  But James goes to bed at 7pm and sometimes is not up in the morning until 10am.  Regularly he wakes at 8.30 /9am.  We need to leave by 8.30am, he’ll get home at 4pm.  Bedtime routine already starts at 6pm, I can’t be bringing it earlier.  He needs to have some time at home with us.

Things will sort themselves out.  I think legally they do not have to be in until after their 5th birthday.  So if it isn’t working, I’ll have to come to an agreement with the school.  Not sure that would go down well with the head, but hey ho.  I’ll do what works for James.

Posted in Children and Eczema | 6 Comments »