1 out of 16

The first out of 16 back to school nights (for Lily) is over. Last night was the meet the teacher night at the Day School. And, like her teacher told us-parents only, no kids. So, Mike and I did that. Mike stayed home with the girls and I went by myself. First, Mike had a great time with the girls. I left them right after dinner so they could play and take baths. I missed being home, I was lonely with no one to talk to in the car but I did enjoy listening to a radio station and being with my own thoughts. So the night wasn't off to that bad of a start. Second, I was the ONLY parent there that did NOT bring their kid(s)! I really couldn't believe it. There were other classes that only had parents and no kids, what was wrong with these people. We had the entire 45 minute session with all of their 2 yr old kids playing and carrying-on. Third, this was my very first back to school night on the "other" side of the table. The first time having the perspective of a concerned, involved, interested parent but also having some idea of how and what the teacher was feeling. I quickly discovered this "other" side is going to be more difficult than I thought and that I definitely need to learn some boundaries before I become "that parent". Mrs. Simonis, Lily's teacher, is very sweet and a wonderful lady to be Lily's very first teacher. The one that she goes to instead of being home with mom. So that being said, I was sorta disappointed when I left. There is this idea of what 2 yr old school is and what it should be (at least in my mind) and then there is the reality of what it really is. And, I have had to come to terms with it. Let me explain. My idea of 2 yr old school or any school for that matter is having expectations, standards, and most of all communication. I had in my mind that Lily would be doing these grand things while there for only 3.5 hrs/day, two times a week. I thought that my walls would be covered with art and crafts projects, coloring pages, you name it. And, I definitely expected that we would meet with her teacher to discuss her progress. But...this is not the case. They do have expectations, standards, skills they work on and some communication but not the same as it is in my head. The main thing they work on is the separation from the parent at this age. A good day is no crying and participating. And, they play pretty much all day. Not to sell it short, they do have chapel, music, computers and Spanish every week. They have circle time, read stories on the carpet, have jobs and work together throughout the day. A very simple day. I suppose the issue I have is the lack of communication and the fact that the teacher said she does not evaluate them and will only meet if there seems to be a problem. So, I guess the reality of "school" has finally sunk in. And, I WILL be having a "conference" every day that I pick up my girl from school. I will linger until I can talk to her to see how Lily did and see how her day played out. I will find out what she played with, what story they read and if she talked and played. It's going to be hard to get rid of me. Although I have questioned things lately I have come to terms with Lily going to "school". Mostly because I now realize that this "school" is not really school. It's supervised playtime away from Mommy. Something that she will desperately need to become successful in the years to come and to be prepared for Kindergarten. This is good for her to have her own place, her own friends, her own school. She gets so excited and wants to tell me all about her day.

How can I NOT be excited when my girl is?