When my first daughter, now 11 was in preschool and it was a magical time. I was experiencing all the “firsts” with her and I loved it. I loved seeing her little world expand. Becoming a “big” girl right before my very eyes. I dressed her to the nines, I helped her new friendships grow by hosting weekly play dates outside of school so the kids could get to know one another better. Any project that was sent home for her and I to complete I took on like it was going to be graded. Lucy blossomed and grew and I was sure she was “brilliant”. Later, I found out she was just “regular” but that’s neither here nor there.
Today’s slice is about my youngest and a little mom guilt. Lyla (3) started preschool last fall. The school is right next door and we go there often to visit her sisters at lunch or volunteer etc. The first day of school I did take her picture but I checked her in and bounced. She was cool with that but I took pause as I left. I noticed mom’s tearing and kids being clingy and other parents taking their little ones on guided tours through the class room. Did I mention that Lyla’s shoes didn’t match and were on the wrong feet? Her choice of course. I’m calling this “letting them develop independence” or “choose your battles”.
Each month the teacher sends home a newsletter that talks about what they will be learning and the “theme”. For example January was “penguins” they would be learning about them and the “at home” project was to create “something” about penguins and return it and it would be proudly placed on the bulletin board. Just last month when I visited Lyla during her Valentine’s Day party she took my hand, led me to the said bulletin board and said “where’s my heart?” That’s when mine broke.
I honestly didn’t think she noticed and I’m busier in this season than I was a decade ago.
So today was the day I earned my super “mom” card back. Today is dedicated to Ireland. We have to celebrate the shamrock this month and dog gone it – “lets do this”!
First something to hang on this bulletin board of shame. I knew that keeping all my scrapbook stuff from the 2000’s would pay off!
Now to make some treats to buy back the affection of her classmates and teacher. Fix it with food, I always say.
1 bag of chocolate chips, 1 bag of rollos candy, pretzels, m&m’s – easy!
And for dinner tonight, a new recipe – Corn Beef and Cabbage Soup (that’s a blog post for another day).
My take away… It doesn’t all have to be perfect, the same, even. It just is what it is. I enjoy hanging with Miss Lyla everyday (she has a fun club on facebook, not really, but kind of). Just don’t tell her I haven’t finished her baby book yet!