Dear Incoming Kindergarten Mom
Posted by Lisa Hendey in Just me on Friday, May 29, 2009 12:00 PM
Dear Incoming Kindergarten Mom,
I hope this note finds you happily celebrating your son or daughter’s preschool graduation with a construction paper mortarboard and cookies and milk! As my youngest will be graduating from our local Catholic school tomorrow, I am preparing to say goodbye to a world I’ve known and loved for the past twelve years. I know many of the moms at our school have been here much longer than that, but for me it feels as though the time has flown by so quickly!
I wanted to share a few random thoughts with you as you prepare to enter our school next year - things I wished I would have learned and taken to heart much sooner. Now that we are leaving and moving on to the next phase of life, I can see clearly what a wonderful experience it has been being a part of this school community. I feel blessed that my sons were able to learn amidst families who share not only our Catholic faith, but also our values and commitments as well.
So here are just a few things I wish someone would have said to me when I was in your shoes:
Steer clear of parking lot gossip. You may see small groups of moms clumped together chatting before and after school and long to feel a part of things around here. By all means, join in and introduce yourself to the women who will become your best friends for the next nine years. But beware that sometimes these conversations can become toxic - complaints about teachers or administration, attacks on other parents or children - far from the Christian environment you are seeking for your family. Be friendly, but set the bar high for your kids and yourself too. Try to be a role model for the type of positive, uplifting person you hope your children will become.
Back your teachers. Your precious child will likely tell you a few whoppers during the next several years about teachers who have unfairly disciplined her, lost her assignments, or just generally made life very tough for her. Listen to her with compassion, but don’t assume that the teacher is the bad guy in these situations. Our teachers have dedicated their lives to raising our children, sacrificing higher pay to teach in a Catholic school environment. Their care for our children is astounding and they deserve our support and respect.
Go on field trips. I know the thought of a six hours on a bus with thirty-five fourth graders gives you a headache, but don’t miss out on the fourth grade trip to the California missions. In fact, join your child on as many field trips as possible during his elementary school days. The zoo, the pumpkin patch, whale watching and more have become cherished family memories around our house. If you are able, take the day and enjoy being with your child and his classmates.
Make time for school Masses. I know you are busy, but if at all possible try to attend Mass with your child every Friday. While he’s in the younger grades, enjoy sitting next to him, nestled in with him and his classmates. When he’s in Junior High, join his class by sitting behind them in Mass. He may not want to be seen with you, but he will realize that you are there for a reason. Let him know that praying with him and for him is a priority in your life.
Well, this list could go on and on, but I know you’re anxious to get going with your new school experience. Please know that you and your family will be in my prayers as you begin this new educational adventure. The place you are entering is so very special - let it transform you and your family, looking at it as more than just the place you send your child to school. Become a part of the community by volunteering, worshiping with our faith community on Sundays, and praying for your fellow school families throughout the week. Before you know it, you’ll be sharing it with those who come after you, as the cycle continues.
With love and prayers,
A Graduating Eighth Grade Mom
p.s. What would you say to a mom getting ready to send her children to school or begin the homeschooling adventure? What do you wish someone would have told you when you were getting started?
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