Our New Regimen

[Aliantha]

Last Wednesday, my ex Kal who has been looking after the kids during the week while they finish out this school year, called to tell me that he'd been offered this great job, but the catch was, he had to be in Darwin on Monday which is today.

I was glad he'd got this offer, but it left us in a sticky situation with regard to the kids. We're a pretty decent hike from their school (which is why they've been staying with their father), and under other circumstances, they'd have simply caught the train with Dazza in the mornings, which is still a really long trip for them, but at least they'd have someone there with them.

Anyway, as you may know, Dazza is overseas yet again, so travelling with him was not an option. After much consideration, it became apparent that we really only had two options. The kids would catch the train by themselves, or I'd have to drive them both ways each day (which would add up to about 4 hours travelling for me). At this point I started emailing their teachers to let them know that there was likely to be some disruption to their routine due to the above circumstance. It was during this correspondance that Aden's teacher offered to pick them up at the station nearest her house, which means that the boys don't have to change trains and only have about a 50 minute train ride in the mornings.

So today was the first day. I drove them to the station (which is still a 20 min drive) and took them up to buy their tickets and put them on the train. They called me from the other end saying they were in Diana's (teacher) car on the way to school and that tomorrow they're taking the DS's because the train ride was boring. lol

I'll pick them up in the afternoons, so not so much driving for me, but boy has this been a challenge to set up. Not only do they have to get up much earlier, but they've got to get used to the fact that if they fart about the train's not going to wait for them.

Anyway, it's only for about 4 weeks or so, so it shouldn't be too bad. Hopefully things will go smoothly and they'll be happy. It's good for them to learn this independance also although it is a long trip for them to do by themselves.

That's about it. Just thought you'd like to know about our latest little drama.

[Clodfobble]

That's really great that the teacher was willing to help out like that.

[Aliantha]

We're three days in to our new arrangements and things are going pretty well. The kids are fine with the train trip and have taken books and DS's to play the last couple of days.

They are getting pretty tired though. Aden tried for a day off before he even got out of bed today, and then Mav told me he fell asleep for 5 minutes in class yesterday.

I'm hoping that once their little body clocks get used to things they'll be able to manage a bit better. It's not like they've been staying up late or anything, but it does seem like a really long day for them. They leave the house at 6:30 am and don't get back till almost 4:30 pm. I guess that's only 10 hours, but when they're used to getting up at 7:30 am and heading off to school at 8am, then being home by 3:15pm, it's a bit of a difference.

Anyway, they're in pretty good spirits about being back with me full time, so that's compensating in a big way for them...and me.

[kerosene]

I am glad they are adjusting. You'll get the sleep thing down.

Our recent move has caused my son to have to make a 1 hour bus ride to school. We bought him an MP3 player to keep him occupied and some books. I also pack him extra snacks for the bus. He seems to actually be enjoying the bus rides. He is still adjusting to getting up an hour earlier, though.

[kerosene]

I am glad they are adjusting. You'll get the sleep thing down.

Our recent move has caused my son to have to make a 1 hour bus ride to school. We bought him an MP3 player to keep him occupied and some books. I also pack him extra snacks for the bus. He seems to actually be enjoying the bus rides. He is still adjusting to getting up an hour earlier, though.

[Sundae]

I guess at least when the school year finishes your boys will be done with the long commute Ali.

Any chance of getting your son's commute down Case?
It seems extraordinary that a child should have to travel for an hour to get to school in a civilised country!

[Clodfobble]

When I was a kid, my house was about 10 minutes from the school, but the bus ride was an hour and a half because we went in huge circles and loops all over the area to pick up kids. Because the routes were so long, everyone who could got their parents to drive them... thus lowering demand for schoolbus seats... widening the coverage area needed to fill a bus with kids... and lengthening the bus rides even more.

[Aliantha]

We've only got about 3 weeks to go now, so that's good. This week coming up is the last really important school week. The following Tuesday is graduation for the grade sevens and then after that it's really just filling in the days till the end which I think will be fine. I'd say they might scam a few extra days off during that time. They'll really only be waiting for their report cards.

Will your son have to do that commute every day case? I guess we all get used to things, but it is a long trip really. I know my boys are at the point now where they're getting pretty bored with the train trip even though they take stuff to occupy themselves.

[kerosene]

Originally Posted by Sundae Girl

Any chance of getting your son's commute down Case?
It seems extraordinary that a child should have to travel for an hour to get to school in a civilised country!

I wouldn't call where we live all that civilized.

His ride home isn't nearly as long. He actually has some friends on the bus and enjoys spending time with them before and after school. Every other week, he also goes to his dad's. He doesn't have but a 12 minute commute from there.

[monster]

my kids have a long busride too -and we live in a busy city, about 6 miles from the school. it's only the getting up early that's really a problem. On the way there it's a time to either doze or catch up with friends so by the time you get to school gossip is done, and on the way home it's a time to wind down/doze. Also, they now have an excellent knowledge of the city streets.

[Aliantha]

Well, we've managed to make it through all the travelling and stuff. We're in the last week of school before the summer/christmas holidays and tonight Aden graduates primary school.

They're having a dinner dance thing and the kids are performing stuff and recieving awards.

I'm really looking forward to it.