...on telling your little ones they would be in separate classes. I have G/B/B entering 1st grade in the Fall at a new (bigger) school. They have been together since PreK and now my DH and I have decided it's time to put them in sep classes. It is also one of the reasons we chose this particular new school.
My question is this: my 3 are all very close. How did you tell, or convince your triplets that this was going to happen and what did you do if they pushed back on the idea? We are separating the boys and keeping the more introverted one with his sister who has strong leadership skills. To ease the transition in the Fall, I am arranging many playdates this summer with families from the new school. Your thoughts please.
Always grateful,
Camille
PS I've been spoon-feeding them details about the school. All they really know is that it has a "really, cool playground" and very sweet teachers.

Sell the idea as something very positive. Don't assume they will think it is a negative. Stress they will have their own teacher, their own friends, and can see each other during the day at specials, lunch, etc.

My kids have always been very close. However, they love having their own teacher.

Lisa
Mom to Aidan, Christian, and Rachel (10.03.01 @ 36wks)

Mine love having anything of "their own" so that's how we approached 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade and then in 4th Mom couldn't take the separate schedules and different homework so they're together but will separate (we only have 2 classes though) next year in preparation for middle school.

Laura
Mom to M, N & C (5/8/99)

My gang is entering 2nd grade and will be separated for the first time. Well this year in First Grade they were together for their homeroom, specials, lunch & PE but separated for Math & Language Arts. So they do know what it's like to be apart for part of the day. They will be in separate classes all together next year. They didn't really react either way. I think maybe my gang is ready to be alone (they are very close also). I was bummed, but since they didn't seem to care it shouldn't bother me right?! LOL


Terri~
12/21/01 at 33 weeks

We are only entering K next year, but we separated for 4-year-old preschool (after being together for 3-year old preschool) and they loved it.

All I had to say was, "You each get to have your OWN teacher, won't that be cool?"

One was very hesitant. I started this over the summer. He kept saying he didn't WANT to be away from his brothers. I told him not to worry about it yet. Come the first day of school he absolutely loved having his own teacher/classroom. I knew he'd be fine as he is the most social kid ever anyway.

BBB born 7/26/04 at 35 weeks

All 4 of mine were in separate Kindergartens. I told them I wanted to hear about their day from only them. No brother or sister interjecting with their version of what happened in class. I said it would be more interesting to tell me at the end of the day their special story and we would all be interested.

Don't fret it. Mine didn't even blink an eyelash over it. Now, going into 2nd grade, they are more concerned about what classroom their friends will be in, instead of their siblings.

Peggi
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Mine were together in K and are thrilled to be separated in 1st grade. I think they are ready to be "on their own". You may be surprised by their reaction. I, on the other hand, am DREADING having to deal with 3 teachers and 3 sets of friends. I think I am the one who needs the hand holding!!

Tracy
Mommy to Lindsey, Patrick and Brooke
Born 1-14-03 at 32weeks, 3 days and ^i^ twins Dylan 1-12-02 and Cole 1-21-02

Ladies - Your suggestions have been great. Stressing the fun of having "their own" locker, desk, teacher, and it is working so well! The look on their faces is priceless. So relieved they are getting more enthusiastic. And tonight after dinner we took them to run around in the great playground at the school. So I think by Fall they'll be running into their classrooms... and leaving me with tears in the parking lot.

Thanks so much.
Camille

Glad it's going better than you thought it might. We just finished Kindergarten with each in their own class and they had a great year.

Tammy
mom to
B(10)GBG(6)