A Bump in the Road

After a ridiculously long car line experience on day one, we opted for the bus for day two.  We had always planned to switch to the bus, but wanted to take it easy since he wasn't super excited and eager for school in the first place.  New things tend to make Ethan a little anxious and I wanted to ease him into it.  The car line was ridiculous, however, so I asked if he wanted to try the bus.  He was happy for that and Tuesday went very smoothly.  This morning, however, he felt that anxiety and started crying and didn't want to get on the bus.  It kind of broke my heart to follow the tough love path and put my crying child on the bus.  I kept a brave face until the bus pulled away, but I know Ethan's personality and if we don't make him face his fear at first, he just gets more and more anxious and fearful.  I truly believed it was the best way even though it was stinking hard to do.  When we picked him up this afternoon, he looked happy and I asked how things were.  He responded with an enthusiastic, "Great!" and then added, "I decided this morning to stop whining and then had a great time."  Sidenote:  The older kids at the stop were so sweet this morning.  They kept telling Ethan that he could sit with them and that the bus was fun and they would help him know where to go.  I was very impressed.  We brought them thank-you notes and cookies this evening. I am grateful for good neighbors.

He is feeling confident and happy about going on the bus again.  I am hopeful.  I so very much want school to be a wonderful experience for him.