Comments on: I don’t think that it should be “normal”…

By: Natalie Ray

Natalie Ray — Thu, 21 May 2015 17:33:19 +0000

This is also concerning me. I’m not sure what sensory issues your son has but I totally understand that it makes things more difficult for him. My little girl will only have been four a couple of months when she starts school. She has slight eyesight issues, but I think these are under control now. But she is nearly three and still sleeps all afternoon – and she needs it. I can’t see her not needing this in just over a year’s time when she starts school. I could home school, but I actually think she will enjoy going to school so I’m reluctant to home school. I don’t really know what to do for the best either. Thanks for your honest post, it is interesting to hear your experiences. I hope things calm down for your little one as he gets used to the long days.xx

By: Emily Davies

Emily Davies — Wed, 20 May 2015 21:11:40 +0000

I think you’re absolutely right about school being seen as daycare. In this country childcare is so expensive and maternity rights / returning to work so difficult that mums are forced to put kids into day care far too early. We’ve decided that I will stay at home as long as possible but this has come at great sacrifice. My girl is 2 and we have to wait a whole year before we get any assistance with childcare. People can’t wait more than three-five years to get back into work (and that’s with one child!). If kids are to go to school later than five, then cost of living has to reduce so that families can afford to live on one income.

By: Ickle Pickle

Ickle Pickle — Wed, 20 May 2015 20:30:47 +0000

I think too much is expected of our children at too young an age. School here in Wales starts at 3! Way too young. Kaz x

By: Megan Elford

Megan Elford — Wed, 20 May 2015 20:09:22 +0000

I agree, it’s too much to expect of someone so young. As adults, we have coping mechanisms – we blast the music on the way home from work as a way to relieve the stress of the day. Or we plunk ourselves down on the couch and zone out for 15 minutes straight. But our kids aren’t old enough or experienced enough to be able to do that for themselves. For my kids, I implemented the “no homework after school” rule, lol! When they get home, they grab a snack (usually cookies fresh from the oven) and go to their rooms, or flake out in front of the tv, or colour, or whatever. And I let them. I don’t make them start their homework right away. I unpack their bags for them, and I let them just go and relax and unwind. They need that time. By dinner time an hour later, everyone has a second wind and is ready to share about their day and then tackle chores and homework, and any evening activities we’ve got scheduled.

By: Megan - Truly Madly

Megan - Truly Madly — Wed, 20 May 2015 19:57:58 +0000

So much is different for kids – continual assessment to see if the teachers are performing or not …

My kids are shattered too – a bit older than yours, but school is too much about times tables and not enough playing IMHO!

By: Cardiff Mummy Says - Cathryn

Cardiff Mummy Says - Cathryn — Wed, 20 May 2015 19:46:41 +0000

I echo what Jess says above. My five year old is in reception, my three year old is in pre-school. They don’t have any sensory issues – but some days they are grumpy and tired and fight with each other, and have tantrums. It can be hard sometimes to know what to do. Like you, I worry it is too much too soon, but I’m not sure what to do about it. I am looking forward to half term so they can relax a bit.

By: Jess Helicopter

Jess Helicopter — Wed, 20 May 2015 17:18:32 +0000

Hello. That sounds so flipping hard on you all. My son is also in reception and has just turned 5. He doesn’t have any sensory processing problems and he is usually knackered and in a foul foul mood when he comes home. Especially by Friday. I too look forward to bedtime and on the days I’m in work and I only have an hour with my kids before bed and even those days I still sometimes wish that hour away. Then feel so guilty about it. It sucks. I’m also surprised at what’s expected of them at such a young age. I’m sure I didn’t learn to read at 4!