I guess I decided way back in April. I picked the place, got her shots done, told everyone. Even she was excited: she was going to preschool. Kindergarten here in Florida is from 7:50a.m. to 2:30p.m. It's a great idea to get them into something to prepare them for the shock of that schedule.
She survived her first day Monday. We both breathed, I thought, I can do this. Just Lillie in the mornings, pick Ruby up by 11:30. Hear about her morning spent somewhere else (eek) and get on with our lives. Accept and embrace the change, doesn't sound too hard...
Tuesday came. She walked into school and waved at a little girl facing her. The girl only stared and did not wave back. Ruby's tiny little arm slipped back into place near her book bag. Her legs peeked out under her shorts and her socks were uneven. I almost cried then. I craned my neck as I pulled away that morning, watching her walk up the concrete path past the line of 4-year olds. I asked her when she got home that day what her favorite part was. She said playing with the doll house.
That night I told Jake I just couldn't do it. I wanted her sing song voice to echo undisciplined through our home. I wanted to keep her world just that for a little longer. After a long discussion, we decided that as long as she loved it and it was enriching, we'd see it through. We went to bed. I arose early the next morning to Ruby's quiet whine at the side of my bed. Her fists were rubbing her eyes as she spoke in repetetive tones. She declared that she didn't want to go to school anymore. It was quite clear after a few minutes that this emotion was not a fleeting one. Jake and I looked at each other and flooded our home with quaint decisiveness. It was what we needed.
She would adjust fine to Kindergarten. She would learn at a good pace. She would be just fine at home with me one more year.
I didn't send her back. We stayed home that morning, called the school, teased each other while Lillie weaved inside and out of her familiar morning routine with Mom and Ruby.
We ate cereal late and got in the car around 10, on a mission to buy the most massive dollhouse that Toys R Us carried.
17 comments:
Wow! You're Amazing!
I'm homeschooling my oldest for kindergarten this year....She didn't want to go and I wanted her home! So, good choice. We'll never have these times with our little girls ever again :)
It is hard enough to send them, let alone when they don't want to go. I'm proud of you. I hope that I'd do the same thing. You're a good mommy.
I'm back home from my excursions and just got all caught up on your blog. Oh these were some good ones. You made me all excited for Sophia's first day of REAL preschool tomorrow... and then you made me all nervous. (I read in the right order :)) I guess we'll just see how it goes.
I just love your blog.
Wow Sarah. This is precisely why I am a nervous wreck over sending my baby to preschool. She loves it at home and I love her here. The dollhouse thing made me cry! You are a good momma! (sniffle, sniffle.)
I've been thinking about situations like this a lot. So many people I know 'follow all the rules' and don't let their kids be kids. Whoever said kids HAD to go to preschool anyway? She'll be fine next year at Kindergarten (but you already know this). I think it's great that you tried it, and then changed your mind.
Way to follow your heart. Good for you!
waytofollowyoureheart
thatsmycommentupaovenotashleycomment
Now this is Ashley...
Yay! More playing with Ruby!!! Woohoo!!! Reef with be so happy!
Good for you!!!
:)
Wow! Awesome Mom! I am glad my kids don't read your blog. Then I would have to pull the kids and take them to toys r us! Way to savor each moment!!
I'd do the same if I were you. I know you will enjoy every minute (well most of them) of this last year. :)
I think it is so cool that you went and bought her a dollhouse. :)
Can 4 year olds start Kindergarten in Florida? That's crazy. And a long time for a 4 year old to be away from home. I'd be tempted with Johnny though but I don't think he'd be able to handle it.
I am totally anti-preschool for all the reasons you decided to keep her home and then some. I still miss my kids in 5th and 3rd grade. By 1pm I think they have been gone long enough, but I still have to wait until 3:45pm to see them. I say keep them home as long as you can. You be the preschool everyone thinks their kids need.
thankdforcomingoverandswimyesterday
I'm still having a hard time sending my son to Kindergarten all day. I think all day K is too long! Why should my son be in school every day from 7:15 until 2:15? He hasn't been to a full week of school yet. I don't have the heart to send him sometimes. Especially when he comes to me with tears running down his face telling me how much he misses me while he is at school. Its a good tactic, and I am a sucker for it. Truancy officer,I'm ready for ya.
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