Kindergarten Lunch Trauma
Well, my son’s first week passed by, and he was loving every minute of kindergarten. Ah, the honeymoon phase. This week, he’s starting to realize that there is WORK involved in school, and the mental energy it takes is just making his five-year-old brain implode. While he’s still enjoying himself, I can see a few things are starting to wear upon him. For instance, lunch.
You wouldn’t think that eating lunch would be such a big deal, but this is the first time in his little life that he’s had to eat in 30 minutes or less. For two days this week, he only managed to finish his apple and then had to return to class. My boy is one of those souls who will take an hour and a half to eat a meal. I’m sure his digestion must be wonderful, but he likes to eat slowly. Today, he confessed, “Mom, I need you to teach me how to eat my lunch.” 
And he was completely serious.
We discussed the reasons why it’s better to start with a sandwich, interspersed with chips, than to start with the apple that takes longer to eat. He listened and nodded thoughtfully, as though these were words of Great Wisdom. I’m not sure if it’ll make much of a difference, but he’ll be a happier boy if he’s eating more than an apple at lunch.
It’s a bigger adjustment than I realized. Even though he’s been in a preschool program at his daycare, it’s not quite the same. And what scares me is that, one day I’ll blink and he’ll be in high school. I’m trying to savor the time while he still gives his mommy hugs and colors pictures for me. I know it’ll end all too soon.
Michelle posted in Writing @ 7:58 pm | Viewed 2573 times
Leanne Says:
How come they only get 30 minutes for lunch? I thought they got close to an hour. And as for trying to teach your 5 yr. old how to micro-manage his lunch time, I wish you all the luck in the world. I hope he gets it down so he won’t be hungry the rest of the day. If he’s like his mom, I think he will figure it out just fine.
How’s school going? I wonder is you’re ready for Thanksgiving break yet? 
Hope everyone has a great evening today.
Leanne
Michelle Willingham Says:
Leanne–all the kids only get 30 minutes for lunch, poor things. But yes, I think he’ll figure it out.
School is exhausting, but it’s getting back into the routine. And no! I’m not ready for Thanksgiving Break…because that’s when the baby will be here.
I’m enjoying my last 10 weeks of a full night’s rest. 
Gina Black Says:
They do grow up, way too fast. This is my first year with *no one* in school. I can’t figure out what happened! I’m happy to report, though, that I still get hugs.
Holly Says:
Awww! The fact that he came to you to ask for help in managing his lunch says a LOT. If your advice for him doesn’t work, maybe you could start giving him a 30 minutes time limit at supper, just to give him an idea of how long he actually has.
They do grow up too fast. Seems just like yesterday my stepson was home with me all day long and now he’s already in 3rd grade and our daughter will start kindergarten next August. Oh it goes by too fast!
Glad things are getting back into the routine. How long are you taking off for maternity leave once the baby arrives?
Donna Alward Says:
Sometimes they just need to grow through it. All the problems my youngest seemed to have in grade 1 last year have magically disappeared this year. She was a terrible dawdler. And had a difficult time focusing on tasks as she’d always want to help her table-mates on their work and not finish her own. This year she’s done early and is the first one out when classes are dismissed!
He’ll get there…if nothing else, being hungry will prod him into eating. ANd mention it to his teacher. I was a lunchroom supervisor and some kids just needed a little encouragement and reminding to get them going.
Nicole Reising Says:
Oh man, I’m starting to realize I’m not that far away from my youngest dealing with these things. I guess there are things like this for every age, and new each year… my oldest has things I find myself cringing for him. Good luck to your son!
Cole
Estella Says:
I am still trying to figure out how I came to have a 45 year old son in such a short time. Seems like yesterday he was starting grade school.
Michelle Says:
Holly–that’s not a bad idea about dinner.
I plan to take off all of December and probably three weeks in January for the baby. It all depends on when the munchkin arrives. 10 weeks to go!
Donna–I’m glad to hear that they *can* grow out of it! Good idea about alerting the teacher. And your daughter sounds like a sweetie, wanting to help everyone else.
Nicole–thanks!
Estella–they grow up so fast, don’t they?
MaryF Says:
Bless his heart!!! And yes, I’m sorry, but it goes soooo fast….I’m too young to have a junior in HS!