it's a jungle out there

"my dear sons,

yesterday Daddy and Mommy attended the kindergarten informational meeting. and here's what you have to know: it's a jungle out there. right now you struggle with occasional biting and a dozen grovelling babies at daycare, but in a couple of months you will be thrown into the department of public education arena with 362 other children age 3 to 6. you will no longer have 7 but only one person to supply answers to your daily inquiries and demands. someone who will obviously be on Prozac. you will have high objectives to achieve and new skills to learn during the next three years. you will have to conform to a new set of rules without shading your creativity and imagination. but you will also have a lot of fun. some of your little friends will leave school earlier than you. Mommy will pick you up at 4pm and deal with the guilt every day. and if some kids make fun of you it's only because you're so handsome and they're jealous. just ignore them. but learn from it. Mommy will not be there to put instant Band-Aids on every bump but I know it's a good thing. don't forget what Daddy and Mommy have taught you for the last 40 months. always say "please" and "thank you", ask permission to touch, if you break it say "sorry" and mean it, share with others and wipe your little bootie. twice. you are wonderful boys and I love you and I've never been prouder to be your Mommy."

Comments

[Joelene]

Wipe bottom twice.... check:)

I could say don't worry, but you would do that anyway. But they will be ok, and hopeful they will love school!

[Flare]

Wipe the bottom twice lesson is important! Then your kids won't be the stinky kids in the garden. :) You're a rockin' mom!

[Angie]

I really hate to be the one to tell you this but they are going to learn so much and have so much fun sometimes they will break your heart by not wanting to hang around for goodbye kisses. You may even get that look of 'why are you still here?' when you hesitate before leaving. Your guilt is misplaced. This is a giant step in their young lives and an even bigger step in yours. The only thing to feel guilty about is not providing them the opportunity to learn and grow into their very own little people -without you constantly at their side. The changes are going to amaze you!

I have hesitated twice now before clicking the create post button. I don't want to offend you in any way. Stop feeling guilty, please. There is no need to walk around carrying any of the guilt you speak of. Enjoy this time. You won't believe how much life is going to change over the next few years. I say this with only the best of intentions.

[Jane]

I almost feel like one of those weirdo's that spies thru gaps in the curtains to enter another person's private space. This is the first time I have ever read a blog, and I do believe that I was meant to be here!

I am the mother of 3 beautiful boys whom I worry about, often. Well, perhaps constantly, I think that is the 'twinge' in my brain that I try to overlook.

Resiliant. That is the perfect word for children. So ready to adapt and pick up whatever faces them. What wonderous creatures they are. And to think, we made them!! Your boys will be fine, as will you. Change is a wonderful opportunity to recreate yourself and enjoy an adventure. Boys LOVE adventures, so tag on, you will too.

Thank you for sharing yourself with a stranger.

Wipe your bottom twice - priceless!

[carol]

Irene, what a great post. You are such a caring mom. They will LOVE school and thrive just as everyone has mentioned. The guilt comes and goes, but when you see what they'll learn you'll find it so invigorating! It's a great ride - hang on.

[MistressMary]

When I sent my first child off to kindergarten I have to say I was a complete and total wreck. She clung to me and wept, and had to be peeled off of me to be put onto the bus. I was a mess. Eventually we both got used to it and it was fine.

Here's what I found out when my children went to school: it not only expanded their world, it expanded mine. I made friends with moms and families that I never would have even met. I became more involved in my community. I even ended up going back to school to become a teacher.

I guess I am just echoing what everyone else has already said -- it's a huge step, but an exciting and wonderful one. Congratulations!

[Seriously Steph.]

I am TOTALLY trying to not think about having to put my son on the school bus in another month and a half. Totally!

Hang in there. You're a good mom and your boys will be great. What you don't know is all these things you've been teaching them each day, things that come second nature to you, well they are the things that will help your sons as they make it through schools ups and downs. (This is what I'm telling myself too...so I hope I am right! HA!)

[Auntie M]

Irene, I'm sure you've raised your boys well. They will be great next year in school and will make lots of friends. You're a great mom.

[kate]

I just wanted to post and say Thank You for the link to my site for Breast Cancer. It means alot to me to see people supporting such a great cause. I found your site through Susie Sunshine.
I have really been enjoying your posts. Have a great day.

[beth]

Once again, beautifully put. But seeing as how Kyle will be starting Kindergarten in the fall, you are totally freaking me out. It is a jungle out there!

[Linnor]

I'm a mother of 3 boys aged 1 to 12 and I will have to agree with you that indeed it's a jungle out there. For whatever it's worth, bear in mind that we were once in their shoes too when we didn't want to be away from mom or dad. Now we are paying it forward. Your boys will be ok and you too. Happy weekend! :D

[Kathreen]

its gonna be alright. they will survive, and they will love it. they will love making new friends, having new toys and games to play, and love coming home to you at the end of a satisfying day.

[Marilyn]

Awww...they're so lucky to have you guiding their way (and pointing out the finer points of personal hygiene). :)