8 More Days

Now that we're down to just over a week until school starts, I am no longer looking forward to it.  I'm feeling the need to squeeze every last ounce out of summer that I can.  Instead of feeling anxious about my own class this year, as I would usually be at this point, I am filled with anxiety about my boys.  How will they transition?  Will they like their teachers?  Will their teachers like them?  Will Cole make at least one good friend in his class?

I already know Reed has a good buddy in his class, which is a huge improvement from last year.  It was then that I realized how truly important that knowledge is for peace of mind, how grateful I am for my children's friends.   I searched frantically for at least one pal that was in his class.  Luckily, there was one, but until I knew that, I was filled with dread.

Reed had a much more difficult time starting kindergarten than I ever expected.  I mean, he went to daycare/preschool since he was two, so leaving me was not a new experience.  At his orientation, he refused to ride the bus or visit the kindergarten classroom.  When I dropped him off on his first day, he clung to me, screaming and crying, until the principal had to remove him from me and usher him into his classroom.  I left with him still crying hysterically, and worried about him.  All.  Day.  Long.

While the first few weeks were rough, each day got better and easier.  Reed had a fantastic teacher and a great experience the rest of the year.  In first grade, we faced another transition.  Because our district primarily offers half-day kindergarten, we had sent him to a Catholic school so that he could attend full-day.  So, in first grade, he moved on to our local elementary school.  I actually requested for him to be with the one friend in out neighborhood who he has known since he was born, to make the move easier.  And it was.  So much easier.  We lucked out and Reed again had a wonderful teacher.

By second grade, even though I felt uncertain and worried (about the initial lack of friends in his class), I knew he would be okay.  As a mom and a teacher, I want to allow things to fall where they may as much as possible.  I believe that my children will end up with the teachers they should, with the friends they should.  I want them to deal with adversity now, to see that they can overcome it, and develop confidence in their own resilience.

In eight days, this guy will start kindergarten.  On Monday, we will attend his orientation.  I am excited to see how things go for him.  The situation is different: he'll ride the bus with his big brother.  He's been to the school several times already for the extensive program they have for incoming kindergarteners.  He will only be in school for half the day, upon which I will pick him up.

Until then, we will enjoy our last few days of summer.  (And I'll secretly deal with my feelings of dread and anxiety.)