Today I’ll be sending Little off to his first day of preschool. This isn’t new. I’ve been through a first day of preschool before. It wasn’t pretty. Big was painfully shy, a quiet observer of the world around him. He also happened to be in a class full of rowdy—really rowdy—boys. Boys who, from the first day, were running through the class playing superhero and bad guys. Boys who were shooting pretend guns and using words that made my skin crawl. Both Big and I spent the year wide eyed and on edge around his peers.
Big wasn’t like those boys. He did exactly what the teachers told him to, and I played proud mama (of course I had raised my son right). My boy was the teacher’s pet. Well, at the very least, he wasn’t the teacher’s nightmare. I would ask myself, who were these unfathomably unruly boys?
Now I know. They were Little.
Yes, on this first day of preschool, I find myself filled with a different kind of nerves. I have no doubt Little will quickly make friends and take heart-stopping leaps from the play structure (the school administrator thought it was funny that I noted his love of jumping on his personality profile…I don’t think she’ll be laughing for long).
It’s the following the rules thing that has me a bit concerned. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a sweet boy. He uses better manners than many adults and is good hearted. (For instance, he quickly apologizes to Pink after hitting her in the face with her own fist.) But he loves to make people laugh. Since before he could talk, he’s been our family’s class clown.
Oh, I love that he loves to make people laugh. But I’m not sure his teacher will. (Especially since he’s figured out a way to pronounce her name so that it has the word “butt” in it.)
Knowing full well this day would be coming, I’ve been doing my best to prepare him. I’ve talked to him about sitting quietly (without making explosion sounds). I’ve discouraged him from sticking his food (and finger) up his nose. I’ve rehashed that markers write on paper only (not desks, dolls or body parts covered by diapers). I’ve tried to quickly right my wrong of overusing reverse psychology so that he knows “don’t” do something really means don’t do it (and certainly don’t laugh in someone’s face when you do). But most importantly, I’ve tried to explain that drawstrings aren’t meant to be pulled. And since it’s a religious school, I’ve even sent up a few prayers that if anything sticks, it’s this one. Because I certainly don’t want Little giving the class two reasons to use “butt” when referring to their sweet new preschool teacher.
No doubt we’re in for an adventure, a few notes home from the teacher and a whole lot of laughs this year. (Which, of course, I can’t wait to share.)
so in essence, what you’re telling me, is that not only will the teacher be teaching the kiddos, but Little will be teaching them some supplementary lessons :)! Oh how thankful the other kids’ parents will be!!! 🙂 xoxo
Jodie, now that you mention it, it’s likely he’ll be teaching the kids a lot. I may call and ask for a lower tuition rate given that he’ll be kind of like an extra teacher in the class.
Now, you’ve got me nervous! If worse comes to worst, there’s always “Home Schooling!” Mazel Tov!!
Well, I don’t know that home schooling is an option, but I did call to get on another preschool’s waitlist today. Just in case. (And because it’s not quite as long of a drive…with 5 more years of preschool to go, this mama’s going to be putting some miles on the minivan!)
Having lived life with Little’s Dad – also a class clown – I can only tell you that his smile will also open doors and melt hearts. I started drinking more wine though! Cheers.
Yes, like father like son. I often think of the “shower” incident from years ago and am waiting for the day. I know it’s not far off! Fortunately it looks like Little may need a bit more time to get “comfortable” than I anticipated. A teary day, but he said it was a good one!
This post made me laugh! I just finished the first week with my new Junior Kindergarten friends and the comparisons I can make between them and the cuties described above are quite something. I love this write-up so much, I would actually really like to copy it for parents and other Early Years teachers in my school, to give some perspective (and perhaps comfort!). May I ask permission to share?
I’m flattered, Em. Yes, please do feel free to share with others. All I ask is that you include my URL if it doesn’t show up on the print outs. Because, of course, these folks will want to come back for more of my sons’ adventures. 🙂 Thanks!
Little and I have a lot in common, hopefully he can get the Principal’s Award earlier in life! Luv to read your post! Look forward to seeing you soon.