First Day of School

I vividly remember Senpai's first day of kindergarten and how very nervous I was about it. The feeling came back when it was Kohai's first day. I had all the mom fears about my little ones going off into the big wide world of elementary school, but I got through it like every mom does. After that, it was kinda routine the first day of school.

Then it was time for Senpai to start middle school and again that nervousness was back. Middle school was awful for me and I was expecting it would be the same for Senpai. My fears were unfounded. He made it through 6th grade with flying colors, however I was a total WRECK when Kohai started middle school.

As I've mentioned before, Kohai has Asperger Syndrome. At the age of eight he was diagnosed and falls under the high-functioning scale of the autism spectrum. Because of the autism he didn't quite fit in with his peers in elementary school. He had an easier time relating to his teachers and counselors than with his classmates.

He was a bit of an outcast in elementary, and fortunately at the time he was unaware of this fact. Kohai was very affable and thought that everyone was his friend. Now that he's older and has learned to pick up on more social cues, he understands that those kids weren't his friends. I was so afraid that he would end up being an outcast again when he moved on to middle school.

Luckily the Hubs came up with a strategy. Have Kohai be up front about his autism, make his peers aware that this is the reason his behavior might seem different, why the tics and stemming may appear weird to them. Oh, and that autism was not contagious.

So we sent him off to 6th grade armed with his little speech and hoped for the best. It worked like a charm. The teachers were so impressed with him and he made a few friends that day. Now that he's entering the 8th grade his circle of friends has expanded and he even has a girl that he likes that shares his interest in all things Dr. Who.

Senpai starting second grade and Kohai kindergarten.

I knew there was a reason why I married such a wise man. It is too bad that he's out of town and missing out on the first day of school, but he's here in spirit. He texted first thing this morning.

Hubs: Good morning.

Me: Hey Sweetie. We're getting ready for school.

Hubs: How are the boys?

Me: It took me three tries to get Senpai up. He's washed and dressed. Kohai is in the shower now.

Hubs: Give them both an embarrassingly long hug and kiss from me. I miss them both and am sorry not to be there today.

Me: I will. I'll be taking my usual first day of school pic and send it to you.

Senpai: Good morning, dad.

Kohai: Morning.

Hubs: Good morning, boys. Have a great first day of school!

Kohai: Okay.

Hubs: Kohai, don't forget to introduce yourself and let people know about your Aspergers. It's important and it helps people understand what a great guy you are.

Kohai: Okay.

Hubs: Senpai, establish good habits starting TODAY to carry you throughout the year.

Senpai: Yes, sir.

Senpai starting his Sophomore year and Kohai going into 8th grade.

This morning I wasn't nervous at all as I took Kohai to school. We're old pros at the first day of school, I just don't think I have the patience to wait to hear all about it.