Support Thread for Boarders no2

[gillybeanz]

couldn't find the other thread, so long since it was used.
Just thought I'd start a new one for us oldies and so newbies could join if they wished.

Well looks like it's back to the labelling again, just as therapeutic as last year but not nearly as much
Just started the long haul of washing, ironing and packing.
Not helped by dd who keeps taking things off the pile to wear now.
She is back on the 4th, quite early for boarders, I believe.
So hoping you had a good holiday and not too upset they are returning to school soon

Thanks everyone I'll pass that on. He is an anxious soul at the best of times so a silly thing like that will worry him!

Abear DH is definitely taking it hardest here too

ooerrmissus it was the same last year too. It wouldn't be so bad but this was originally DH's idea in the first place! I have just told him to think of good things to do together in exeats etc rather than dwelling on being sad. Perhaps Dads often take it worse because they aren't caught up in the planning, name labelling, constant trips to the post office (day one and I have already had to post something!), and then feel a bit useless.

I have no idea what ds does as he normally sleeps in his boxers at home.

Ds3 starts prep and I'm a little nervous after what his brothers have said as he likes pants and apparently all the boys wear boxers/trunks and take the Mackey a bit out of pants. We'll see.

I had a bit of a cry today. Dh started a new new job today and is away training all week and my Dad was taken into hospital Sunday night (he's ok). I think it all got a bit much for me on top of lack of sleep and the stress of last week.
Ds seems to be ok though. Dhs best friend is a peripatetic music teacher at his school and he went and saw him today and the report back was good so far.

Jayne sorry to hear you are feeling down, it sounds like you've had a horrifically stressful week. It sounds like your DS is doing well though; it's amazing how quickly they can settle to new things isn't it?
DS1 wears pants and refuses to even consider trunks. He says they are more comfortable and, ahem supportive. I think some of the other boys at his prep did make comments at first but he didn't care, so they moved on to something else. I'm sure he'll be fine.
We've had another lovely email to say Pantsgate has blown over and he's enjoying himself so that's very reassuring. DH had been moping about with a face like a wet weekend so it perked him up a bit. I think you're right abear I'm finding it easier than he is but yes, that may well be because of all the labelling, sorting, filling in forms etc! I know so much more about the school setup than he does due to all the admin!

DD is on the train on the way back! I cried even though she's nearly 18 however her on the other hand is smiling and laughing at me

Hi all hope I can join I was directed over here - my DS has just started weekly boarding Y9.

Its been a rocky start he's been sick both mornings (he started Tuesday evening) He apparently is fine during day but not eating much and is struggling with sleep /food/ over excitement. Had the first tentative text about missing home from him!

Just need to get him to have a good nights sleep tonight - have matron on the case now and is feeding him biscuits... he hasn't texted since this morning which i am taking as a good sign (he's had the opportunity) he just doesn't want to be sick ever morning!

Nurse thinks its anxiety tireness and lack of sleep. I am feeling so so sad for him and for me!

Kingfisher- My DS was very homesick during his first week and not again since so I hope you experience the same. My DS did struggle with tiredness throughout the first year but the first term was definitely the worst and I hate to say it but he also became very familiar with the med centre because tiredness does that to him too. He went back at the weekend for second year (10), very happily and all is now 'really great', apparently. Sending luck and love - stay in touch with matron.

Thankyou for your reassurances!

Fingers crossed he does OK tomorrow morning - I'm taking myself off to Choir for the first time as I have my evening free so trying to keep upbeat!!

HM says he was doing well at lunch and in good spirits so thats all good

I found the old thread and wrote on it as my boarder started this week in year seven and had had a terrible wobble yesterday. Just wanted to say thank you so much for the advice and the private messages I received; in RL I have no friends with boarding children so I feel terribly judged. Anyway, much better day today and the housemaster has just been amazing, calling me today to update me and reassure me that my boy's tears are more for me than anyone else. Bless him, my heart is in pieces but I'm sure (hope??) it gets easier.

Hello all.

DS went back on Friday for pre-season sports training, and we saw him on Sunday at his match. He said towards the end of the holidays he was ready to go back and wanted to be with people his own age - we've moved house since he started boarding, so doesn't really have any local friends.

thebaker I hope your son settles in quickly.

theking
Home sickness settles down DD is a weekly boarder too!

I hope the homesickness does settle down. My son asked me to send him something with my perfume on earlier. I feel bloody wretched. He has been so excited about going and now I feel like the worst mother on Earth for letting him choose it.

Un-MNetty hugs for you baker. Have you spoken to his housemaster?

Oh dear just had texts saying he's been sick again this morning! And is going to ask to come home.
He's not ill per se and he had a good day yesterday so just can't get to the bottom of this - other than its tiredness.

I'm torn between getting him through the week to Saturday afternoon and going to get him...

He seems to think he'll be sent home as he's been sick three times.

I think it's just anxiety in the morning and he's in a a viscous circle now...

So difficult to know what to do for the best....

It maybe that I get him tonight and bring him back in the morning so he has a good nights sleep....

ooerr yes, I have and he was lovely. He said Sam is perfectly happy most of the time, playing football and seeing his new friends but as soon as he calls me he is crying. He said all the year sevens are homesick which is totally normal and he is not unduly worried about him. It doesn't stop me worrying though

Oh dear baker it's very difficult isn't it?. DS's school have expressly forbidden telephone calls in the first 3 weeks, and now I see why. We can email, so we know how he is doing- although being an 11 year old boy they are very brief emails; last night's was 'drama is super fun'- but no phone calls unless the HM thinks they are struggling and need to call home.

I am sure things will get easier for you both; just hang on in there.

kingfisher any news on your DS?

theking
It took DD a term to settle in some it takes 2 terms after 2 terms it's maybe best to reconsider boarding. But my DD did settle

Anyway DD is home today! After her first few days of alevels!

Hi all - sorry I have two threads going - I went and got him on the advice of medical centre... He was in very good spirits when i arrived an def revived.
Very full of school and how much he was enjoying it - it just seems this weird tummy thing.
He's had a nap, a good lunch sausage and mash for supper is on the menu, early night and then he wants to go back tomorrow for lessons and matches as he made the 1st Rugby team....

So feel relieved he is happy at school, it doesn't seem to be classic home sickness, more of a subconscious head/gut thing. I have bought copious amounts of rescue remedy to give him to take in the morning and he will have a better selection of tuck for next week. Fingers crossed he doesn't vom tomorrow am as we have to leave at about 7 am to get him back and then all we can do is hope for the best next week - oh and they are moving him into a smaller 2 man room with another weekly chap so hopefully he can get some better sleep/early night if he wishes....
School have been fab and supportive so that is good
I am about to open but not too much as i have to drive miles tomorrow!!!!!

and thank you for all advice and support.

We have said that if things don't settle he could probably come home 1 night a week but its a longish trip so wouldn't necessarily gain anything in terms of early night - but may be a backstop if we need it....

How lovely that the school is being so supportive kingfisher. I hope it all gets sorted out.

My ds's school has the same three week rule as ooeer's. In fact I have a feeling it may be the same school. So far we've had emails saying he needed some headphones, that he had chosen some of the extra subjects he has to choose and that the computing teacher was very cool. He sounds genuinely happy and far too busy to talk to me.

I'm glad he was in good spirits, thekingfisher. It sounds like his tummy may just be a combination of excitement, nerves and eating slightly different food to normal. I'm sure it will settle.