Last week marked the unofficial end to summer as a new school year began. Last year I had an emotional day as I sent my eldest to his first day of kindergarten. He was ready, willing, and excited, and I knew it.
This year I faced a different dilemma: do I or do I not send little N to JK?
It was a question that haunted me, literally, all summer long. Throughout the province this year, JK has become full day learning. She is "of age," as she turns four in October. She is a social girl who plays well with others. The school community is wonderful and her would-be teacher is among the best I have ever met.
And yet both my head and my heart, my emotions and my professionalism hesitated at sending her to school. The biggest factor is that as of now, she is three, not four. Every older, wiser person who has ever spoken to me about children has advised me to "enjoy them while they are young." These gifts that God has given to us are young for such a short period of time: why would I rush her out the door? She really is a lovely little girl (for the most part) and a great addition to have at home. She still naps for two(+) hours a day. As much as she is a smart girl, she has little interest in structured learning, and mostly just enjoys taking care of her "babies." Is she even ready academically? What about "I" and S: could they benefit one way or the other?
Back and forth, back and forth.
In the end, I decided that I would start the year off with sending her two days a week, and build it up (or not) as she and I are both ready.
I cried when I brought her to her class, that beautiful little girl of mine.
When I went to say good-bye, she was bossing the other girls around.
Whatever my thoughts on the matter, she was excited to be going to her first day of school.
No comments:
Post a Comment