Matthew will be 3 1/2 next week, and soon we’ll be looking for potential schools for him. He’ll be starting Junior Kindergarten (JK) next September. Where did the time go? It’s been spent raising this wonderful little boy, who will soon be going to school, learning, and spending most of his days on his own—five days a week. Deep inside, I’m not ready to let him go just yet, but I know I have to. My boy is growing up.
So, really, what’s all the fuss about?
Well, it’s just JK, right? But our provincial system has implemented full-time Junior Kindergarten. It used to be two full days a week, but starting next year, it’ll be five.
That’s the fuss. Typical mother worries, I guess, but I still think that going to school full time at 4 years old might be a bit much. I’m sure there’s an economic benefit behind the system, but I’m not benefiting from it. I’m sure he’ll love it, though. He really enjoys being around other little people.
Let’s see what my little bright child thinks about it all.
"So, Matthew, you know you’re going to school next year?" I ask him.
"Yes, and there will be children to play with, a teacher, and I’ll learn," he replies.
"But Matthew, what am I going to do all day without you?" I ask.
"You will cook and wait for me, Mommy," he says.
"I guess I’ll have to give you a lunch box to take to school," I conclude.
Well, he’s right. This is what I do most of the day: I cook for him, we walk, visit other children, go to playgrounds, hike, read, play, watch TV, and play games. He knows that cooking is the one activity he can’t do with me, so I guess I’ll keep cooking while he takes most of his activities with him to school.
I thought it was entertaining what he said about me cooking and waiting. We asked him again in front of my family. His answer was always the same, but he added:
"And wait, Mommy will give me a big box of food to eat."
We all laughed. I’m amazed that he remembered the lunch box, and lately, he’s been asking me if he can have chicken soup in his big box of food.
Can you see? We just have too much fun together. "No, I’m not ready to send him to school yet."
Oh Dear I know that feeling....
ReplyDeleteI put my children in pre-school because I knew that it would be good for them to be around other children plus it really helps them getting ready for the routine of kindergarten.
You will fill up that time and when he comes home you will enjoy your time with each other so much more.
But.... that said it will be hard, because he is just yours right now and soon he will belong to the world.
Just wait till he brings home the first art project from class. Perfection !
cheers, parsnip
You can always volunteer at the school. That'll take up your time and give you your "kid fix".
ReplyDeleteWe all worry and don't want them to go Anna, but within a day or two they enjoy being there. I have a Great Nephew that recently started school and he really didn't want to go, but now he loves it.
ReplyDeleteSeems he got ready to go to school :) It’s so sweet and shows how well he observed the day to day activities at home. Hopefully he’s a brighter child and no doubt he will shine like the star and glow like sun to higher in studies and behavior.
ReplyDeleteHi Anna, we were concerned about our Great Niece who has started school at four. However it turns out that he just loves it as he gets to mix with other children.
ReplyDeleteAnna:
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful to read how Mathew is growing up to be such a great little boy. School will be hard at first because he will be away from you, but with all the new stuff he'll be doing and all the fun kids to play with he will soon learn to love it.
Our oldest daughter has a one year old boy. He is very cute and a hand full of energy. He just started walking, so you know how that is. He's exploring the whole house. When I see him I think of your son, and how my Queen and I have read your posts over these last couple of years. We've watched Mathew grow. Life is beautiful.
Happy trails.
Anna, you have prepared him well for this first major step into the outside world, I just know you will watch him soar there. I used to help out at my children's schools when they were younger, which helped me to support them better at home(knowing the teaching methods they adopt at school makes it easier to build a continuity in their learning). Perhaps you might consider helping out there?
ReplyDeleteI do understand your mixed feelings about this important new landmark, but I'm sure you'll both not only survive it, but will flourish!
(Or perhaps you could do as I did, and go on to have three more..?)
Anna....
ReplyDeleteI don't know how to get in touch with you. Plus I know your super busy with Christmas and your little one.
So glad you left a comment.
Merry Merry Christmas very late I know you had a wonderful one with Matthew.
Happy Happy New Year and I am so happy I have found your blog... must dash over to the photo blog and see if you have posted there !
cheers, parsnip
Happy New Year, Anna!
ReplyDeleteWishing you and your family a great 2012, filled with much joy, health and accomplishments!
Thank you for the sweet wishes you left on my blog.
Hugs your way!
Doina