Emma's class is going on an overnight field trip. They leave tomorrow morning, and will be back at school Friday afternoon. Lots of fun stuff packed in --the museum, an IMAX movie, visit to the planetarium, the zoo, a restaurant called The Safe House, which is totally spy-themed, very cool for her.
Buuuuttttttt . . . . she needs incredible emotional support to go on an overnight trip. This is a kid who doesn't want to sleep over at other kids houses. I'm exhausted! I think this is the hardest part of parenting --trying to be emotionally supportive. Tomorrow morning, when I leave her at school, will be hard for her and such a relief for me!
In the meantime, I could SO use a full night's sleep. The other night, I woke up because the bed was rocking like crazy. I don't know if Rob was actually moving, or if I imagined the whole thing (no earthquake was reported) but whatever, I didn't get back to sleep ever. Last night I just had the normal insomnia in the middle of the night. Tonight I imagine Emma will be up several times to tell me how much she's going to miss me. Should be a great night's sleep, huh?
Parenting. Why does anyone do this?!
Would it be helpful to her if she took a small photo of you with her? Or would that just make it worse? My daughter was iffy at sleepovers, until this year. She usually takes a 'special object' with her for comfort.
ReplyDeleteI am curious to hear what the sleeping arrangements are for a middle-school overnight trip. In our school district, the 5th graders go on an overnight trip to a camp, but there's nothing like that in middle school.
And yes, parenting is one of the hardest things to do.
I know I'm a few days late, but as a Brownie leader, a picture makes it way way worse. A cuddly toy or something else special helps, but a picture makes them howl when they pull it out, it's then the difference between five or ten minutes consoling a girl or seriously thinking of calling mum to come and get her. Just thought I'd pass it on in case it helps you!
DeleteParenting is not for the weak-hearted, that's for sure!
ReplyDeleteI have one like that - one who needs a whole lot of emotional support. Sometimes I wonder if it's an only child thing or just her personality.
ReplyDeleteI have one like that, too, even though I have two children. It could be that there are 5 1/2 years between them, so she was an only child for so long, that it developed. Or it could just be her personality. It's so great, though, when you find that piece that gives them the confidence to do whatever is causing the anxiety, and then they have a great time . . . until the next time they need the emotional support. I must say, though, I'll miss it when she's no longer coming to me for support, even if it is exhausting now.
ReplyDeleteGood luck! I cannot imagine how tough it will be to make her go!
ReplyDelete