Well, we have survived the first two weeks of private school. Yes, there were a few mini dramas and traumas but nothing that stopped us. We have learned things like ironing our uniform really stinks so the dry cleaners will be our first stop after school tomorrow. We also learned in a small school of 21 kids it is much easier to get caught doing things appropriate and inappropriate. Motivation can be in the smallest form and have the biggest payoff.
At this point, we are thinking one of the best thing my husband and I have ever done for our son is tell public school stick it and enroll him in a private school for learning disabled kids. He gets to be himself, ADHD and all, and not be berated and told he just isn't applying himself. He is learning that if he does not learn to control his behavior then there are consequences; consequences that he could of avoided with his own actions. He spends his day with other kids that do not criticize him for being different and, sometimes, difficult because all of these kids have their moments as well. Teachers that treat the kids with respect and understanding while still being firm and in charge is a welcome change to the experiences of being treated with little respect and no tolerance.
Do you know what the best part of the this experience has been? My child is happy. He is happy when he comes home from school. He has interesting stories to tell me about the day, and lunch, and this class or that. And...the best part...he is proud of himself for achieving different things everyday. All most parents hope for for their children is happiness. My child is at least achieving a little happiness when it comes to school. So all of the worry and extra hours of work and looking for a new job to pay for the tuition is well worth it and will continue to be worth it if the end result is the happiness and success of my beautiful, special child.
