I can hardly believe that word is a part of our vocabulary now. But the time has come. The first day of preschool is upon us. This post isn't about why we chose to start preschool this year. (Because that would take about thirteen chapters for me to explain, though I'm sure Travis could spell it out in about three sentences.) It's about the conflict within my heart as we make this step. Like everything else about parenting, there are no clear cut answers... Exhibit A: How I felt at parent orientation last week.
Dear Caden and Addison,
Tonight your dad and I attended our very first parent orientation meeting at your preschool. We met your teachers. We squeezed into the tiny chairs that you will sit in. And learned all about what your first year in preschool will be like. I must admit, I wanted to ask Miss Pat for her resume. Call for references. Then observe behind a two-way glass for about three years before I decided if I really wanted to let her be responsible for you this year. It's a little silly, I know. But it's true. My heart and head were so full of thoughts like these that I forgot to introduce your dad to them. I forgot to talk to other parents. I pretty much floated through the whole thing, while trying to take notes and focus.
You're ready for everything preschool has to offer. In fact, you're more ready for it than I am...
Still, even knowing that, I didn't have many questions. It doesn't really matter what supplies you will need on the first day. Or what the drop off and pick up procedures are. What matters to me, what my heart cries out to know, is... Will she treat you with kindness when you need it most? Will she think your fears and dreams are worth listening to? Worth learning about? Will she notice your little signals? Protect you? Will she guard your heart? Nurture you? Be a place where you feel welcomed, wanted and safe? Will she love you, just a fraction of the way that I do?
I suppose I will feel this way about every teacher you will ever have.
She will be wonderful, sweet babies. I know she will. And you will be fine. I am certain of it. Better than fine, actually. I think you will thrive! I can't wait to hear all about your first day. And every day after that.
Love always,
Mom
1 comment:
I had a situation this past week where I was deemed a high maintence mom b.c I pulled my child out of one teachers class and am PAYING for private school know so that I know he is being loved and cared for. Get involved as much as you can in their school and get to know the teachers...then you'll know who you want them to have, etc. My answer is, Sure, I'm gonna be high maintence about the person I am ENTRUSTING my child to everyday! I loved your post! Right on target and beautifully written.
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