One week and counting until the first day of school, and it's just starting to hit me. I don't think Benjamin is the least bit phased about the huge change that is about to take place, but I am. He's ready for the first day of the next thirteen years of his life to begin, I am wondering where the last five went. How can we already be doing this?
Last night, he and I went to the Kindergarten Fun Night to meet other kids in his class. His favorite part was the informal soccer drill going on in the big field. And he liked his new "best friend" Ben, who will also be in his class this year.
I'll be honest. This was the first time in a long time that I've been in a social setting like that, and it was weird. I'm sure I'll eventually meet some other parents who I get along with, but this stage of it is going to be hard for me. I guess I'll have to get over that, seeing as he sort of mirrored my social awkwardness.
Anyways, he is ready. He even took his four shots last week like a man so that they'd "let him go to kindergarten" this year. I'm going to miss this boy, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Deep breaths.
Awww! It is hard, seeing the first one go off to school. Being around the other moms is kind of weird, too. I found here that I make friends best by trying them on for size. I'll invite my child's friend and their mom over for a lunch/afternoon playdate (or whatever works for both parties) and see how we get on. This way I know what kind of family my kid's friend is from and I have an open dialogue with their parent. It's actually gotten me my two best friends here, which is no small thing. You'll do fine with him in school. Scary? Yes. Rewarding? Absolutely. He'll really do great. (and you'll really enjoy having "only" 2 kids around for several hours a day!!!)
ReplyDeleteOk, so I haven't seen your blog (or anyone's actually) since your post "AND we're back." Holy cow. You've done a lot of blogging. That was really fun to go through! Much better than just blanket statements about what you did-- I love all the pictures and I miss you and your family. You guys are so great.
ReplyDeleteSo jitters about kindergarten, eh? Yeah, I bet! Benjamin looks so cute. We all know he's perfectly ready for kindergarten and much more.
So you're feeling awkward yourself, huh? Nice. Did I tell you I kind of teared up at a neighborhood preschool meeting? Ha! I couldn't believe how strongly I wanted something different for "My Anna" than they were talking about doing. Oh brother. That's an awkward social scene for you. I'm pretty much a pro at Awkward. Good luck with all that! I'm excited for you.
There's a lot of the same feelings going on here! Weren't they all just sitting in the Wymount playground eating rubber bark?
ReplyDeleteAnd I totally hear ya on the socially awkward thing. For starters, I feel SO MUCH YOUNGER than all of the other parents so I don't feel like I fit in anywhere. But hopefully as the year progresses we'll both make friends and find our places.
Here's to a great year!