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Here's a back-to-school question for you:
My son, a rising fourth grader, became close friends with two other boys from his class last year. The three have spent a lot of time together this summer, including attending a couple of weeks of camp together. When we got our teacher assignments, we learned that his two friends will be in the same class. My son will be in a different class. He is very upset about this and wants me to ask if he can be assigned to the other class. I suspect it's too late for that. Other than to say that we'll continue to have them over, I'm not sure what I can tell him. Any advice?
Have you been in a similar situation? Please share your tips in the comments box below. (If you don't see the comments box below, you'll need to log in or sign up for a WRAL account. You can do that by going to the top of the page and clicking on either "log in" or "register").
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It's a short note, but many of you clearly missed the last line: 'I'm not sure what I can tell him.' TELL him - not 'do to change the class.'
Ms. Mom: I think the emphasis on 'new friends, and friends at lunch and recess' is good (though you may want to check that it's accurate). But there's also the factor of 'experiential' friendships - experiencing things together creates bonds, and not being in the same class will change the friendships, and I think your son knows that.
But I think you're right not to just dismiss his anxiety - tell him things will be different than last year, but that's not all bad. Acknowledge the fears, but try to focus on the opportunities, I think.
For example - he can tell them about what's happening in his class and ask about what's happening in theirs - it gives him something new to talk about with them.
He may also be combining 'friend loss' and 'back to school' fears.
August 15, 2012 3:08 p.m.
August 15, 2012 2:08 p.m.
August 15, 2012 1:22 p.m.
My daughter attends a year round school and the same thing happen to her this year. We found out her class a couple days before the first day. I think the school decided to let everyone know a couple days before so that parents didn't flood the office trying to switch classes like last year. I decided to keep her in the class because there is no guarantee that next year we would run into the same problem. My daughter sees her friends at lunch and recess. I told her that when she is in class the most important thing is concentrating on her school work and not friends. She doesn't like not having her two friends in the other class but she seems to be adjusting to it. I hope this helps and I feel your concern as a mom.
Sarah
August 15, 2012 11:17 a.m.
August 15, 2012 10:32 a.m.
I also tell her to be a friend to someone - you don't have to see them 24/7 -
August 15, 2012 10:06 a.m.
August 15, 2012 9:52 a.m.
August 15, 2012 9:27 a.m.
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August 15, 2012 4:23 a.m.