HOW I PLAN TO ‘PREPARE’ MY SON FOR THE BIG DAY
And so it begins.
I did the tours.
I completed the application forms.
Pre-school drop-off has been abuzz with polite and subtle questioning about where our kids will be going to Primary School next year.
Now it seems the reality that my ‘baby’ is transitioning to ‘big boy’, is smacking me right in the face.
But, oh, the thought of sending him off ALONE into the wide and wonderful world of ringing bells, bento boxes and incursions flips my world. Whilst I desperately want to shut the door and tuck his little head where it fits so snugly under my chin, I know it is my role as a parent to give him this; to trust him on this; to let him make his own way.
But I will not do so without a plan.
You see, I am also a teacher.
I have done my time on canteen duty and school camps. I have seen the dirty school yard dust-ups, but I have also witnessed the beauty in a child’s face when s/he finally ‘gets it’.
So, is my son “school ready”? What is that exactly?
“Can he count to ten?”
Sometimes…if he feels like it and it involves marshmallows…
“Can he say the ABC’s?”
Well…he knows ‘B’ stands for bottom…
“Can he write his name?”
Mmmmm…well, I can read it, but doubtful you can…
“Can he speak a second language?”
Fluent Ninja Turtle, dude…
No; I am not going to get too caught up in all these things.
Rather, I will be ensuring the following.
BEING ABLE TO ASK FOR HELP
This is an invaluable life skill for us all. I want my son to feel no shame in asking, and have no judgement in giving. I need him to ask politely; not the screeched, frustrated “MMMMUUUUMMMMMMYYYYY!!!!” that is belted out currently when the train track doesn’t link up, or his jumper gets stuck around his neck.
BEING ABLE TO GO TO THE TOILET CONFIDENTLY
Folks; I just want him to wipe his bum properly (adequately, even) and pull his shorts up without twisting himself in knots.
BEING ABLE TO COPE WITH HIS ‘BFF’S’ OF YESTERDAY WHO APPARENTLY DON’T LIKE HIM TODAY
I was not prepared for the time I picked my son up from day care and he broke down in guttural, stab me straight through my heart, sobs. Between hiccupping breaths he explained that he threw dirt at his little friend and now his mate didn’t want to play with him anymore. I wanted to wrap him in my arms and tell him it would all be OK – but I couldn’t know that for sure. I wanted to ‘get involved’ and ‘fix it’. But I couldn’t. Instead, later that evening, we chatted about how, when we’re angry, we sometimes say things we don’t mean. How we can have lots of friends; not just one. How sometimes, simply saying “sorry,” can be the answer. I wanted to share the wisdom of the world to protect his precious little heart, but he was only 3.
I left it there.
It was a good start.
BEING A NICE KID
I don’t expect miracles. Sheeks; if you saw my son tantruming at the supermarket the other day, you would appreciate I don’t have any big solutions here. But my basic message is simple; smile and remember your manners.
BEING ABLE TO STICK UP FOR HIMSELF
I was the youngest of five kids.
I learnt fast that a quick witted response could often save my overalled arse. Make it light, say it with a smile and move on. This technique may not always be right for every situation. I am not condoning bullying, fisticuffs or screaming matches, but I do want my son to have his ammunition ready…just in case.
BEING ABLE TO LEARN
Maybe I was a bit of a teacher’s pet.
Maybe that’s why I ended up back in the system as a teacher.
But school really was my happy place.
It opened up my world and brought me on wild adventures to Disneyland and Space and Faraway Trees; possibly all in one day. I learnt to read, write and do maths, but I also learnt how to make friends, play team sports, wait my turn, respond to criticism and accept people for who they are. I learnt I was not actually the centre of the universe, and so much more.
I want my son to grab it tight and learn to devour everything this amazing world has to offer.
As for me…?
LETTING GO
Now it seems that I might need some help.
This is all getting real.
Someone please tell me.
How will I be able to put his back pack on, pull his hat down tightly, kiss his cheek, turn around and walk away from my baby on his first day of school?
Looks like I have some homework to do.
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