You take a deep breath and then exhale as you look at the enrollment paper for Kindergarten. Has it really been five years? Really? “Wasn’t I just sleep deprived because you were nursing every two hours?” you think to yourself. Now suddenly, it feels as though you’re on a rollercoaster with twist, turns, and drops that make you feel like you’ll lose your lunch. Slow down Mama.
Kindergarten is exciting and scary all at the same time. This is your baby’s chance to make friends, learn new things, and grow. It’s scary because it causes us to question ourselves and abilities. Did I teach you what you need to know to be prepared? Did you get too much screen time? Was I too strict with the screen time and now you won’t relate to something the other kids bond over? Why didn’t I read to you more? Are you going to sit and listen to the teacher? Lord, please don’t let them call me. All of these things or questions like them will probably go through your mind. Trust me, there is a wide variety of emotions you may find yourself going through.
The list for kindergarten changes it seems every year. The current trend seems they are expected to know their colors, numbers to 10 and how to write their name. You see the list and feel overwhelmed. Maybe you’ve tried your absolute best to teach them to write their name and it’s just not happening. I’ve been there! I tried, bought handwriting books, did everything I could think of to encourage them to do it and – negative. It was a fight and even then it didn’t turn out. As life would have it, they go to school and come home with their name written on paper. (