New preppie

[Pommie74]

Hi forum.

im a 44 year old dad of one.

My boy has just started prep. Full of excitement. In fact he no anxiety or worries about beginning his schooling and has gone happily for the first few days. Headed off this morning without a worry.

He has always been “high energy” and easily distracted, full of beans etc, and kinder, whilst it wasn’t a struggle for him, was a struggle for the teachers at times!

anyhow, the first day, no problem, second day he came home with a take of how he had his name “taken down on the board” a visual representation they use for the kids, if you misbehave, your name moves down, correct the Behavior, move back up. He was upset that his name was moved but not overly so.

Second day, he was close to going to see the principal, but escaped that!

third day, name and Down, and then back up to his delight.

the long and short of this, is the impact it has on me as a parent, I’m wrecked with worry that this will be the pattern, that he will be labelled as “that kid” that he will miss out on opportunities, it will stifle his learning etc.

he was marked at kinder as being a very bright, caring and creative kid, but fools about when it’s time to learn, if the pace isn’t right, or if he lacks interest.

The whole thing leaves me anxious and worried for him.

Dreading each pick up, expecting another report of transgression.

I know it’s earlt days, and that it’s insane to be overthinking this so much so soon, just wondering if other parents have had this experience.

Thanks for listening.

[white knight]

Hi, welcome

This is a good technique in my opinion, to make sure children have goals and recognize when they have misbehaved. If they do not have these challenges - of moving back up the board- how are they going to learn what is right and wrong?

The teacher isn't abusing your child, he/she is using a sound technique to teach him values.

If I was his parent I would encourage him when he moves up the board and show concern when he drops down. eg be a team with his teacher.

We can easily fall into the trap of being too protective of our children.

But it does show that you are a very good father.

TonyWK

[Bushy2850]

Hi Pommie74,

I was very concerned about my stepson a couple of years ago. He is now diagnosed with opposite define disorder. We had many apointments with the school councelor and tryed everything but it was getting even that worst that the teacher evacuated the classroom when he had his outbursts. Short after that we had a visit from FACS and where forced to do parenting courses with no positive result. Then FACS told us that i am the problem and was forced out of the house, leaving my daughter in this inviroment. I was homeless, broke and decided to move in the bush where i still am. Later on it worked when he started gym and acrrobatics and parcour to get rid of his energie and he is doing better. But for me its heartbreaking that i dont see my daughter very often and there was not even an appologie from FACS or help from them. So i am sucking it out here, try to get over it (how?). Every time i speak to me daughter on the phone i am crying a river. Pommie i can advise you to keep your son physicly very active, and keep screens to a minimum, hopefully you will be spared from what i went through.