I know what you all are thinking, wait a second – you celebrated Owen’s 3rd birthday last year and this was his first day of preschool last week? Most kids start right at the age of 3 – even earlier depending upon the parents decision. And that is exactly what it boiled down to for us. A decision made. We kept both of our boys at home up until they nearly turned 4 – and then put them into preschool for a few months at the end of the year. A little pre view for pre-k, if you will.
You may think I am crazy for skipping over months of time “he should” be in school – but, from our experience it really works for us and our boys. Every family is different, has different systems and preferences. For us, it works, and our boys have thrived just as well as any other child in their class.
We talked about school a lot with Owen. And obviously from watching his big brother go every day he understood a bit more about what it was all to entail. The first day for him was just as I anticipated. Excitement, followed by nervousness at the drop off, and tears as he realized that I did indeed have to leave his side. The second time around it was far easier to leave him there. I know how much he will benefit from being in a classroom. (And if I am being 100% honest, it is really nice to have 2 hours alone now a few times a week)
Holding his peanut little hand in mine, walking him into his classroom doors – watching his eyes go from interested to worried definitely tugged at my momma heart. When those little hands wrapped around my leg and he started to wipe his eyes, I knew the tears were a few blinks away. I swiftly said my goodbye, my I love you’s and let the teacher calm him down. I of course was worried he would cry the entire time. I was awaiting a phone call – to let me know he was having a hard time. 2 hours flew by so quickly, and there I was watching a proud smiley little fella walk out of class SO happy to tell me all about what he did that day.
PHEW! We did it!
There is something so rewarding as a parent when you see your kids do well under someone elses supervision. I cringe most of my day at the things my kids say. Like their new obsession, the word – boobs. Or the things that they do – taking their clothes off 24/7. We are a clothing optional home, apparently.
Fearing that they will say/do ridiculous things in front of their peers is definitely a hump to get over. We are proud of the boys they are – their personalities are irreplaceable. They say it like it is and we love that about them both.
Over only a few days of school have I seen how ready he is, and how our timing was exactly right, he has gained so much confidence in himself.
It feels so good as parents to feel like you’re doing something right.
