It's so hard to believe that my baby girl is getting ready to start school. It really hit me last night. It was the "Welcome to Kindergarten" at our local school. Pk was beside herself with excitement - becoming a "big girl" is very important to her and starting school represents that in a big way for her. I wasn't quite sure how I felt. As a teacher, I have seen school at its best and at its worst and I would have to say that I have mixed feelings.It was an interesting evening. It was nice to see people that I know and for Pk, it was incredibly exciting to see friends. We met teachers and saw classrooms and did some activities. It's interesting to see your child in that environment. I have had parents perplexed and surprised when I describe what I see in their child in the classroom and with Pk, there was a bit of that for me. To me, anyway, she seems young. She is a September baby and while she isn't all that late in the year, a few months do make a difference and I can see it comparing her to some of her friends. We also have kept her somewhat sheltered - t.v. is closely monitored and Pk has grown up in a world of Veggietales and Wordworld, unlike many of the children around us. I think that one aspect of her starting school that scares me is the fact that she will be thrust into contact with things I don't want for her. It's a dog eat dog social world and while kindergarten is usually a fairly gentle place, kids can be mean. She will have times when she is hurt. As a mother, I would love to keep her away from all of that. I know, though, that she will need to learn that she is strong and can survive.
Fortunately, we live in a town with a great school with great teachers. It isn't in an overly affluent area with the social baggage that comes with that but Pk also shouldn't be faced with the issues that come with poverty, either. It's just a nice, neighbourhood school with some struggles but nothing exceptional. My dream is that school will be a magical place for Pk. A place to develop a love of learning, to form lifelong friendships and a place to discover and pursue her gifts. I just wish that my excitement for her wasn't tinged with a sense of loss. My baby is moving out into the world and the part of her life that happens without me is getting bigger. I don't feel ready for that.
You know what? I know just how you feel, and yes, there will be a few things along the way, but your Pk is a strong, smart girl with good support for those times. I'm absolutely certain she is going to thrive and that you will love it, too, once you see that in action.
ReplyDeleteI suspect that part of my problem is all the media - we hear so much about bullying, etc. that it's hard not to be obsessed with it all the time. Relationships are stressful, whether they are with family, friends or co-workers. She needs to learn to deal with it and she will survive like all of us do. One thing I will say, I had heard that the kindergarten teachers at our local school are good and I am convinced. I was so impressed with them so far!
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