In my opinion, having/racing children is one of the most beautiful experiences a person can have, the feelings for them are so strong that at times can be overwhelming but it's always rewarding when you see them happy and successful.
Last Monday was a milestone for mi baby girl Mya, her first day of preschool!!!
While I was getting everything ready, from signing her in, buying all her new school supplies (i'll come back to this), till the moment I had to pick her up that first day, I was very excited during the hole process, but I was a **nerve wreck**. Her on the other hand, every time I mentioned school starting, she would start talking about how she would have new friends to play with and a new teacher, she was overall excited, even though she kept saying that she wouldn't do homework lol (we'll work on it XD)
SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR A PRESCHOOLER
Buying school supplies for me, as a kid, was always a happy experience, my mom or dad used to take me to the different stores to get all that i needed. Even as a teen, and at university, when i did them myself, i used to enjoy those purchases. Little did i know that the truth behind buying art supplies mostly would be so tiring. First off, the amount of things they ask for is unbelievable, i know they do it that way to have the most of the materials they'd use during the school year and not ask constantly for this shiny paper or that color marker but still, it's a lot. Besides that, you have to bargain on prices, cause being so many thing, it's always best to try and save a little money (in particular in this country -Venezuela- cause situation is pretty complicated in terms of money) And also, is not like you are going to get everything from one place and done, NOP, you have to visit at least three stores to get everything. Truth be told, i did enjoyed the experience of this first time and i can say i picked up a few tricks i'm going to implement next year, like not going by myself.
BIG DAY COMES
Passing from sleeping pretty much till noon, to have to wake up, use the bathroom, brush her teeth, wash up a bit, get dressed, eat breakfast and go out the door, i mean, for a three year old who's been pretty much everyday at the house (thanks COVID), doing whatever she wants to start a new routine is a big change, and not only for the child, but for everyone in the household. Even her little sister got up early to see her off.
All images are from Pixabay, Bitmoji, photos are of my own, edited in Canva
As we got closer to the place, my mind kept wondering how the goodbye would feel like, what was going to be her reaction? would she want to stay with mommy and daddy? would she cry? and i remember thinking to myself that i wouldn't be able to leave her crying, she's so used to be with me that if she for even one second thinks i was abandoning her, i'd be devastated... But nope... She was hesitant at first, but as soon as the school principal came for her, and told her they'd play a game and sing a "La vaca Lola" (Lola the cow) she let go of my hand and walked like she has been there a million times, as soon as the music started she started dancing and pretty much forgot we were there. while her dad and i stayed the few minutes they allowed us, teary eye, but very happy to see our baby girl being so brave!... And now as i write this down, i can't control the tears, in a mix of missing her and being completely astonished with the amazing human being my baby is.
ADAPTATION PROCESS
Well, now that this new routine has started, we need to accommodate to it. It is true in this world that those who don't adapt, disappear , it doesn't mean it's an easy task but kids have an amazing way of doing it, us adults on the other hand... Juggle work life, parenthood -especially if there's more than one kid, each one with needs of their own - cooking, cleaning, laundry, and all that trying to keep your sanity is, very hard, to say the least, but, with a little bit of effort, can be done smoothly.
BEING PROTECTIVE OF OUR KIDS
1. Be sure they are not only trained professionals in teaching:
Beyond a degree, there's the calling to work and take care of little kids 2. Keep close contact with school:
It doesn't matter if you seem annoying, you NEED to be present in every aspect of your kids education.
3. Talk to you children:
Seems obvious, but it is REALLY important, cause by the end of the day, they are the ones at school, and they can tell us or show us if something is not going as it should.SCHOOL IN PANDEMIC
Aside from all the adjustments we and our children have to make, there is this "new normal" full of extra hand cleaning and disinfection, and, the hated face mask. For children it is extra hard to have a thing on their faces that makes it difficult to breathe and see, but, sadly, it's necessary, so, it's parents job to try and help them get used to it, cause, in the end it's for their own protection. What i did with Mya to help her use the mask is, well, making it a game; "So, if i have my mask on, you have to guess if i'm smiling, making a silly mouth or sticking my tongue out"- It doesn't always work, cause kids this age are finding their new independence, but it's a start. Be careful to talk about it with school personnel so they keep an eye on that, and wash hands and all the protocol that's being applied (or should) pretty much everywhere.
Each stage of our children lifes presents as a challenge we assume with love, and a bit of fear. I guess that time will make easier to say goodbye at the school door everyday that goes by, the proud of seeing our babies growing and learning will give us the strength we need to do the best everyday to become the best parents we can, sure, will be times when we feel like giving up but their little smiley faces will remind us what we need to do, because, every second more i realize there is no bigger love than the love we have for our children.
