I Am NOT READY for Kindergarten!

I’ve been blindly trundling though Little Man’s childhood … zombie-like with a sort of routine comfort in the pattern of the days and years. Don’t get me wrong, he’s grown and changed drastically. I’m very much aware that he’s no longer my baby … or my toddler for that matter.

But, this week I’ve had to come to grips with the fact that this boy of mine will start kindergarten in 10 months and 7 days (but who’s counting).

The first shock came when I realized that a family reunion was planned after school starts. The shock wasn’t that the date of the reunion would require us to pull Little Man out of school. The shock what that when we discussed the date, I was not registering that Little Man would not be available! I was only worried about the grown-up schedules! Ack … not a good sign! Not an auspicious start to his school years!

The second shock came when his preschool teacher sent home a letter about homework and included two worksheets! I simply cannot explain – can’t put into words – the physical response I had to that letter. If you would have been in my kitchen, you would have heard me mutter, “Oh, I am so not ready for kindergarten.”

I am a teacher. I have written that letter, counseled parents on the negative effects of taking vacations mid-year, and (gasp) assigned homework (yes, sometimes even worksheets). I knew this was coming. I was actually sort of looking forward to it. I mean, I know what the teachers would like me to do, right?! I’ve got inside information. I should rock at this!

Yeh, whatever.

I’m here to say, I’m probably going to stumble around and be “that parent” for much of Little Man’s elementary years! (I’m hoping to grow out of it my middle school!)

I never expected to be annoyed at a worksheet, but I was. It was representing a whole slew of things – interrupted family time, another thing on a nightly to-do list that gets longer every day, and another thing to remember in the morning. Plus, frankly, I just hate worksheets! I would much rather her ask us to write a story with him or read with him.

So … I guess I should work on a writing assignment to get my attitude in order!

Here goes:

I am ready for kindergarten. I will be a helpful parent.
I am ready for kindergarten. I will not pout and complain.
I am ready for kindergarten. I will ….

I AM NOT READY FOR KINDERGARTEN!

Maybe I’ll try again tomorrow!?