Some things change. Some things stay the same. Poor Dylan is on his 3rd school, (fourth, if you count the "Mommy & Me" class we went to for a few months before it fell apart).
He seems to be enjoying his new school. He doesn't complain about going, and usually emerges smiling and singing whatever new song he has learned. After only a few classes, he is already telling me some of the names of kids he has met.
Last Thursday was his first music class at the school. A teacher from his regular class takes him directly to his music class, so I don't see his regular teachers at the end of the day. The director of the place was standing with the music teacher and the kids when I picked him up last Thursday. "Next time you're here, could you stop in and talk to Mrs. X (one of his regular teachers)", the director said to me, as I was turning to leave with Dylan. "Ummm...", I paused, waiting for an explanation. "She said he is doing very well", she said, failing to follow that with anything substantial.
"WHAT?!", I was screaming in my head as I walked down the hallway. I used to be a preschool teacher. I know you don't ask to talk to a parent whose child is doing "very well". So what's up? That is just mean, leaving a mom to her overactive imagination for four whole days! So, who knows what that is about?! I guess I'll find out tomorrow.
Today he had his first science class at the school. When I heard they offered it, I was thrilled. Me, I've never been the least bit interested in science. I knew that if Dylan was going to develop an appreciation for science, it was going to have to come from his dad, or a teacher, because I'm basically of a "Science, Shmience" frame of mind. But, Dylan has been watching "Sid the Science Kid" on PBS lately, and loves it. I have to admit, it is a cool show, even if it does talk about Shmience.
So, this morning I told him he was going to his first science class, just like Sid. "You can be Dylan the Science Kid!" I couldn't resist singing a few bars of "I love my mom... My mom is cool... But now it's time for me to have fun at school", as we drove there. No, I didn't do the little dance when I dropped him off - it was snowing and 16 degrees and I have a cold and... wah!
His class is 45 minutes long, and the best part is that his school is so close to the library, that I can just go hang out there and get myself and Dylan some books. When I picked him up, the teacher said, "Well, you would never know today was his first day! He came right in, and had no problems at all!"
So often, we focus on the things our kids do that drive us completely nutso. For me, it's the never ending chatter, and the ridiculously slow process of getting dressed. We don't think about the things that have never been an issue. Why would we? But, today I found myself thinking "Wow! I have never had to deal with the screaming, crying kid, clinging to my leg, and begging me not to leave him. Dylan has ALWAYS been good in new situations. I AM LUCKY". "I AM LUCKY". It's a powerful phrase, when said out loud, or even in your head. It puts a smile on your face, and a spring in your step, and gives you that needed extra ounce of patience.
So regardless of what the teacher has to say tomorrow, it doesn't matter. I AM LUCKY.
6 comments:
You are SO right!
The clinging thing is fun, btw. On the days that it doesn't happen, I tend to run out the door as fast as possible.
I too have always considered myself lucky for being the parent whose kids skip off to class without looking back (though it does make me a tiny bit sad that I don't get hugs or kisses!) The poor parents of the kids who are screaming while being pried off of legs just break my heart. I am so glad Dylan loved science! And I bet the teacher wants to talk to you just so she can tell you how great he is doing!
That really is a blessing that he is so open to new things. A gift. For him and you! :)
When he gets a bit older (or maybe now), there are some great shows on The Science Channel. My kids love How it's Made. And then there's...Destroyed in Seconds. Appeals to the boy destroyers.
Just be careful of the commercials. The show may be rated G, but the commercials for erectile dysfunction....not.
My kid has never really clung at school but he did before! And you are right...we need to be grateful for the good attributes out children have.
we love Sid the Science kid!
And I hope it all works out with the teacher.
YOU ARE LUCKY! He has never freaked about you dropping him off anywhere??? AMAZING. I signed my Dylan up for story time at the library and it starts tomorrow. I am dreading it because i know he is going to F.R.E.A.K. But, I do want to encourage him to branch out a little.
Anyway, I am sure they will have ALL GOOD things to say tomorrow :D
That really is wonderful--and you're right to focus on it.
I know that sometimes I can even be less irritated by reframing the annoying things (turning stubborn into perseverant).
I hid my total dislike of science from my kids and ended up with two science majors. Of course I never know what they're talking about, but they're happy!
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