I’ve often heard people say it, but I never truly understood until these recent weeks. Little Bean is nearing the end of her first half-term at Primary School, and frankly, I’m concerned about the changes in her. She was once this sweet-natured, affectionate little girl – yes, with her share of tantrums, as I’ve candidly shared in my blog. But now, as school closing time approaches, I find myself anxiously watching the clock, unsure of what mood will greet me.
This week has been particularly rough, with only one day that felt remotely normal. The rest? Little Bean has been like a tightly wound spring, releasing all her pent-up energy the moment she steps out of class. Gone are the gentle talks, hugs, and kisses. Instead, I’m met with shouts, smacks, screeches, and tears. Her interaction with Beanie Boy is no longer playful; it’s turned aggressive and taunting. She’s become a little bulldozer, leaving a trail of bumps and tears, especially for her brother.
Last night was the tipping point. After sending her off in a freshly laundered uniform, she returned looking like she’d rolled through every muddy puddle in sight. I’m all for creative exploration, but there’s a limit, right? Just the day before, she sported a bright red paint stripe down her pinafore – a stain so stubborn I had to bin the dress. And then there was a baking day last week – I’m pretty sure the kids were more covered in flour than the pastries. While I appreciate the school’s hands-on approach, a bit of moderation wouldn’t hurt.
The root of Little Bean’s behaviour seems to be exhaustion from long school days. But that knowledge doesn’t make the after-school meltdowns any easier to handle. Last night, overwhelmed, I found solace in a tearful moment alone in the bathroom. It left me questioning how I’ll cope with the arrival of Jelly Bean after Christmas when managing the current chaos feels so daunting.
And then there’s the name-calling. This week, I’m ‘poo-poo head’, and last week, ‘bogey-face’. I usually ignore it, finding silence more effective than a response. But what really got to me was hearing about her new playmates – a couple of Year 6 boys who think it’s okay to kick during their games. I was on to the teacher about that immediately. She’s in Reception; such interactions seem so inappropriate!
I’m earnestly hoping for a light at the end of this tunnel, but right now, it feels like someone’s turned it off. Please, anyone, reassure me it gets better. Because at this point, my wits are frayed, and that cheeky glimmer of hope seems to be playing hide and seek in the dark.
It got so bad for my daughter with the almost feral children in her class that I now home school her! 🙁
Oh no really?!?! That’s frightening. I’m not sure I would have it in me to do home schooling, I really admire those who do but my daughter and I are so similar I think there would be fireworks 🙁
I think a visit to school is in order, my sister is a primary reception teacher if this happened in her school (very wealthy school with parents in tow) she would be in trouble, I kid you not, I mean we all expect kids to make a mess, but the attitude needs to be sorted for sure. Maybe there is more to it, maybe another child or something, I am terrified of G starting school, but as it is a special needs school I wont have all these worries, but with Addy I am very panicked as she is already a tantrum/moody madam. Hope it gets easier xx