There are lots of milestones in life and this morning we reached one of the big ones for the family - the first day of school. This really shouldn't be a big deal as it is at the same location and even in the same building as Smallsteps' preschool was, but it does somehow feel different - just a little.
My wife had the idea of getting a chalkboard to mark the occasion, but instead of that, we found an old-school (looking) letterboard instead. And the plan is to take a picture at the start and end of every school year, to see how Smallsteps has changed over time and through styles.
I am going to try and hold this tradition for the next 12 years and I have said that no matter what, wind, rain, frowns, tears, tantrums, gothic make-up and dyed black hair - the picture will be taken.
August can be unpredictable in Finland, so some years at least I am expecting it to be cold and pouring with rain, making the walk to school less fun. Today it was smiles and we were lucky with the weather, as it is warm and sunny, and the three of us walked the short walk together for the official callout of first day class assignments.
It has been a bit strange, as Smallsteps only has one friend in her class from the previous year, whilst her other friends have been grouped together. There has been no indication of how the class groupings were made, so parents have been speculating what the differentiator is - whether it is something like study language chosen, or reading ability, but there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason for it. She will see other friends of course during breaks and things, however it is strange.
Yet, going alone is part of growing up and Smallsteps is going to have to learn to be braver and bolder as she becomes more independent. And we as parents are too, as we are going to have to loosen our grip and let her go to into increasingly difficult situations that she will have to sort out for herself, and hope she can handle them.
Life is full of firsts and there are also plenty of lasts. And between those points is where life is lived and the goal is to live the between well. I don't know what that means for you, and I can only guess at it for myself, though I really want the best for her.
Wherever she goes.
Taraz
[ Gen1: Hive ]
