Tiny First Steps: Daughter’s Exciting First Week at School

Our daughter, Anshu, started going to school since last Monday. Whenever we asked why do you wan to go to school, she said, “Padhnalai jaane” (To study). We were doubtful if she would be happy and were scared if she would cry in school demanding to go back home. Her first week at school, however, removed some of our doubts.

The First Day

On the first day, Anshu was so excited that she would not stop running around Mamu (her grandmother, whom she calls Aama). We were waiting for Baba (her grandfather, whom she calls Buwa). She kept saying, “Chhito School jaaun na Aama! Buwa lai naparkhine! ” (Let’s go to school quickly, Aama! Won’t wait for Buwa!). She would not even stop to let us take even a photo, which we wanted to keep as a memory. Only after much persuassion, she allowed us to take some photos.

We were happy to see Anshu’s excitement and enthusiasm. We were also scared that she may cry for Aama once at school. We were also worried that she might not eat the food offered at school. At home, we had to make a huge effort to make her eat, so we could not be sure.

I wanted to see her off at school, but I had my PSC exams, and could not manage time to go. Seeing her go to school with Mamu and Baba was heartwarming, though. My sister asked if I felt like crying. Tears did well up, but they were out of happiness and pride.

In the evening, I returned after my exams saw her sleep peacefully. She was probably tired. I asked if Anshu cried. My wife and my sister reported that she was happy when she arrived. we received some videos from her teacher. Seeing her confidently move around and talk with her new friends elated everyone of us. In the videos, she took some food, but still we could not be sure if she had them all.

The Second Day

Anshu was more excited to go to school on the second day. As soon as she finished her breakfast, even without changing her clothes, she took her bag and started going out. We had to persuade her to wear clothes for her school. She dragged us (Mamu and I) out. There was still some time for her school van to arrive (so we thought), but unexpectedly it showed up as soon as we went out. She greeted everyone in the van and waved goodbye, smiling wide.

In the evening, she slept just like the previous day. However, she said her knees were paining because a boy kicked her. We guessed she might have started the fight because she has developed this habit of impulsively hitting others, and we have had a hard time predicting her behaviour.

She also complained that the school was not teaching her to read and write.

The Third Day

On the morning of the third day, we asked Anshu’s teacher about her behaviour in school. She said our daughter is easy with everyone, does not stay still, and talks with everyone. On the first day, she said that out daughter was given corn, which she ate it. She also recalled an account when they were sipping tea and Anshu asked, “Aafu matrai khako*?” (Only you are drinking [the tea]?). We were pleasantly surprised by how our daughter was making impressions with her tiny first steps.

We asked about her sore knee, we came to know that our daughter was indeed the first culprit. Stopping her from impulsive hitting is something we have really been struggling with.

We also requested the teacher to give Anshu something to read and write and she agreed to it.

The Rest of the First Week at School

On Wednesday, the third day, Anshu got formally admitted at the school. Baba and Mamu went to the school again. Seeing her Aama, she cried, but somehow they managed to make her stay at school. The rest of the week went as usual. A few concerns are her altered sleep pattern and that she caught cold. But it’s not that serious. Our daughter’s first week at school was a leap of faith for us, and we hope she will do even better in the days ahead.