We have been back to school for a month now. What a busy 4 weeks it has been. Two teachers and two children getting back in the routine. Alyssa adjusting to a new teacher and new classmates. Courtney adjusting to new EVERYTHING! Joe and I continue to roll with the punches as we navigate through it all.

So how is it going?

Alyssa has had a great start to 2nd grade. I am so proud of her. As much as she loved her Kindergarten and 1st grade teacher, I think she needed a fresh start. Yes, there has been anxiety. Yes there have been some minor issues here or there. But she has worked through it all like a champ. I feel like we have even made some breakthroughs on what is triggering some of her anxiety so now we can help her even more. Though, as well as things are going, after such a rough year last year, I struggle letting my guard down. I keep waiting for that phone call or email saying she is struggling again. I’m hoping that as each good day goes by, I will feel a little more confident that it is going to be a great year!

As for Courtney? The transition to her new school has been tough. Her new team seems very nice and I believe they are working hard to make this a positive experience, but so far all we are seeing is an increase in aggressive behaviors. The frequency and intensity is higher than we have seen in a long time. There are bruises on her arms from all the self biting. It is breaking my heart knowing she is struggling there.

Is it because of all the changes?

Is it the cold that hit our household?

Is it the fact that we are on the verge of her going through one of the biggest changes a young girl can go through?

Unfortunately Courtney cannot express what she is feeling verbally. Her only way of expressing her frustration with something is through behaviors. So as mama bear, I am left wracking my brain trying to figure it out. Fortunately the behaviors are not carrying over as much at home so I get to see a happy girl every night.

So that is where we are at as we finish the first month of a new school year. Overall, I guess you can say we are hanging in there…possibly just by a thread. We are taking each day as it comes.