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Original poster

parent year 7 wobble - join in here

57 replies

minidipper · 09/09/2013 14:36

Anyone else having a mega wobble about Yr7? I can't believe how stressed I feel. Watching DS set off for school all trussed up in his tie (which he hates) and absolutely bent double by the massive weight of books he has to lug around because there isn't actually time for him to get to his locker between lessons.

I thought he'd be excited by his new school but he's just very subdued. It's heart breaking. Today I had a fantasy about homeschooling him, but sadly that can't work for us, as I am sole breadwinner, since DH was made redundant and hasn't found work for over 5 years.

Sorry to offload but I can't believe how emotional I feel. Found a picture of him in the sunshine on a mini dipper at the fair when he was small and got a lump in my throat.

Is anyone else feeling the same? Or has anyone felt this and can now report that all is well?

OP posts:
ISingSoprano · 09/09/2013 17:30

My children are now 18 and 15 but neither of them found year 7 an easy or happy year. Firstly, I think there is quite a lot of hype about moving up to secondary school and frankly it's a bit of an anticlimax when they finally get there. Secondly, the whole culture of secondary schools is quite different to primaries and that takes a bit of getting used to - it's a lot of change to handle. Thirdly, they may well have CAT tests and reading tests in the first few weeks. Also, friendship groups can change a LOT in year 7 - they meet lots of new people and are trying to work out who they are and where they fit in.

My advice would be as unexpected says and try not to fret about it to him. Cook some of his favourite meals, and try and do some fun stuff that he enjoys at weekends.

Original poster
minidipper · 09/09/2013 15:54

True. I suggested he left more stuff at school or in his locker but he's terrified of losing or forgetting something and being told off about it.

OP posts:
Unexpected · 09/09/2013 15:31

That does sound like a lot. Again, I think once they settle in a lot of the lugging back and forth will stop. DS1 has a huge music folder but I don't see it for months. It "lives" in his locker and only bits of it come home for homework. I think once a few weeks have passed the dictionaries will mostly stay at school as well. At home, he can use the pc to check word meaning.

Original poster
minidipper · 09/09/2013 15:15

Thanks for your replies. They do seem to have text books, and files and folders and work books and exercise books and planners and homework diaries and masses of stationery. They were also told to bring in dictionaries for French and English and a book from home to read in tutor time (whatever that is.) His backpack weighs a ton.

Unexpected - that is really good advice about keeping quiet about my feelings in case they reinforce his. I will. Thanks for the reminder.

Really hope he settles in and starts to enjoy it soon.

OP posts:
Flyonthewindscreen · 09/09/2013 14:56

My DS started yr 7 last week very excited and a bit nervous, by day 3 he was saying high school is boring and hard work and he doesn't want to go! He is a bright, reasonably high achieving boy, and they have had virtually no homework as yet, so goodness knows what he will be like when that kicks in. He isn't unhappy as such, just a bit disillusioned. I am hoping he settles down and starts to be a bit more positive, hoping this for your DS also.

Unexpected · 09/09/2013 14:51

What books is he lugging? I thought textbooks were almost unknown these days in secondary? Both my dc only have pencil cases and workbooks, plus an academic year planner. If he has loads of books, could he visit his locker at break and lunch to take what he needs for the next part of the day.

I'm sure much of both your feelings are to do with the big change between primary and secondary. Don't let him know how you feel because that will only validate his feelings that he doesn't like school. It's very early days and I bet in just a few weeks it will be as if he has always been at this school. Let him settle in and encourage him to join some extra-curricular activities.

FiveHoursSleep · 09/09/2013 14:46

My DD had a mini wobble the 2nd day of year 7 when her younger siblings were all due to go back to their lovely, smaller, familiar, nurturing primary school five minutes away.
She was a bit moody this weekend, but went off happily enough today.
It's a big change for everyone and I think it's going to take us all a few weeks to get used to it.