I'll just say it now so that we are all clear: Midget is stronger than I am.
Ever since I signed her up for school months ago I've had my apprehensions about her actually going. On one hand I see how important it is for children to learn, early on, how to work together, play together and learn together. But on the other I can't help but question the need for one more year of schooling that isn't even required? You hear all the time about parents that can't wait for the school year to start so they can basically farm their children off and have a few hours to themselves.
Let me say here and now that I don't fall in that category.
Today was easily one of the worst days of my life. I'm already looking forward to summer vacation. I LOVED the first day of school. Every single one from pre-school all the way through my senior year of college. LOVE. But that was as a student. As a parent?
FORGET IT.
Thank goodness our school district opts for a 4 day/week program (they supplement the Fridays off by having longer school days Monday through Thursday); at least I get 3 days with her.
Everyone, and I do mean everyone, told me time and time again how much Ashley was going to love school. How important it is to let her go. How she'll do great.
On and on they'd go, telling me things I'd already heard 400 times before.
Telling me things I'd been telling myself for months.
Telling me things I already knew.
Jeeze. I GET it.
I just don't LIKE it.
But, putting my mommy-issues aside, I can say that Ashley not only enjoyed school, she is excited to go back.
And I'm happy to hear that.
Really.
Thrilled.
When it was pick-up time she had her back-pack loaded with art work, her coat and a book she had checked out from the classroom library. When we walked in she was sitting at the table, happily chatting away with her teacher a few other classmates.
To be perfectly honest, I think she was disappointed the day was over.
All in all, I am quite relieved and very excited that Ashley's first day of school was such a success. These first weeks will really define her entire education experience; if she hates it now, it'll be a struggle the rest of the time. That means, as her mom, it's my responsibility to cowgirl up and deal with it. I can't let Midget see how much it hurts me when she scurries off to school, back pack in hand, excitement in her eye. When she turns and sees my smiling and waving, I have to make it believable.
God won't mind those little white lies, will He?
PS Here are a few shots I captured with my phone; I've got plenty more on my camera that I will (eventually) share
Loaded up and ready to hit the road on her next great adventure
America's most adorable schoolgirl
The end of the day - you'll notice my smile is just as big as hers (you'll also notice it's the real deal and not a phony)
But, putting my mommy-issues aside, I can say that Ashley not only enjoyed school, she is excited to go back.
And I'm happy to hear that.
Really.
Thrilled.
When it was pick-up time she had her back-pack loaded with art work, her coat and a book she had checked out from the classroom library. When we walked in she was sitting at the table, happily chatting away with her teacher a few other classmates.
To be perfectly honest, I think she was disappointed the day was over.
All in all, I am quite relieved and very excited that Ashley's first day of school was such a success. These first weeks will really define her entire education experience; if she hates it now, it'll be a struggle the rest of the time. That means, as her mom, it's my responsibility to cowgirl up and deal with it. I can't let Midget see how much it hurts me when she scurries off to school, back pack in hand, excitement in her eye. When she turns and sees my smiling and waving, I have to make it believable.
God won't mind those little white lies, will He?
PS Here are a few shots I captured with my phone; I've got plenty more on my camera that I will (eventually) share
Loaded up and ready to hit the road on her next great adventure
No comments:
Post a Comment