Satomi, a 35-year-old housewife in a rural city, struggles with raising her two sons while her husband is busy with work. Her eldest son, Asahi, starts to resist going to school in April, blaming his younger brother, Hinata, for his discomfort. Satomi seeks advice from her high school friend, Shiori, and realizes she has been unintentionally pressuring Asahi. To bond with Asahi, Satomi convinces her husband to help with Hinata so they can spend quality time together. As a result, Asahi gradually becomes more comfortable with going to school. Satomi aims to create a secure environment for her son during this period of transition.
Continuing from last time. My name is Satomi (35). I am a housewife living in a rural city with my husband, eldest son Asahi (7), and second son Hinata (2). During the week, I have my hands full with one-on-one surgeries, and while struggling with raising Hinata during a tough time, I managed to get through each day. However, in April, Asahi, who had just started first grade, began to resist going to school. In May, it was time to go to school… Asahi didn’t want to go to school because of the difficulties with Hinata, so I left the children in my husband’s care. Feeling at a loss, I turned to my high school friend, Shiori, for advice. When Asahi entered elementary school, I realized that I had been putting pressure on him without providing a sense of security in the new environment, and I felt regretful. To start, I persuaded my uncooperative husband in childcare to spend time alone with Asahi.
When I go out with the children, I always have to take care of Hinata, so I can’t move at Asahi’s pace, but today, with just the two of us, I can let Asahi do as he pleases. Today, I was able to spend time with Asahi calmly as I had some time. It’s really a shame that we couldn’t have more days like this.
Thus, I was able to enjoy spending time with Asahi after a long time. “I can’t see the planetarium if Hinata is here. Let’s go to every place you want to go, Asahi!” he said happily.
I am excited to go out with just Hinata after a long time. We also started talking about school.
Furthermore, I am consciously spoiling Asahi.
Since that day when my husband had to be alone with Hinata, he seems to have gained a little confidence in childcare, allowing him to take care of Hinata. Whether that’s the reason or not, Asahi, although still not going to school every day, has gradually increased his school attendance.
It’s only within our house. There didn’t seem to be a major issue that made him want to go to school.
A new first grader already full of anxiety due to the drastic change in environment. I want to observe my child closely and create a reassuring environment for him without just thinking, “He’s already a first grader.”
Original article: Mama Star Community Script: Fumimaru Illustration: Chomos Editor: Mika Yokonai