Prior to the first day of kindergarten I had taken Reghan shopping all over Modesto and the internet for school uniforms, shoes, backpack, supplies, etc. She was excited for the first five minutes of our marathon shopping experience to get ready for school. I had her entire wardrobe of school uniforms washed and ironed two weeks before school started. Yes, I was that excited for her to go! I would have packed her lunch if I could have!!
My friends and family can all tell you that I am not one of those mommys that get emotional and cry for most things. I was praying that I had passed the same trait onto my child and I knew the first day would be the ultimate test. I had done all I could to prepare her for 'real' school (so I thought). We talked about kindergarten all the time, drove by her school on almost a daily basis, took her to preschool for two years in hopes to make her realize that school is a safe place to be and Mommy always comes back. As a family we attended Back to School Night before school even started. During that time I was able to give Reghan a tour of the school, talk to her about bathroom procedures and get her comfortable with her classroom.
Three days before school started Reghan and I had a long conversation about the first two weeks of school and how things would happen at home and her responsibilities. Reghan in her own blunt ways said to me "Mommy, I am not going to cry on my first day of school and I don't want you to be one of those moms who do! I can totally handle it!". All I could think about was maybe some of my brainwashing worked!! She is not going to cling to me and cry as I try to escape from the classroom! Yeah!! This was a huge reliefe since I, myself, was one of those children who cried hysterically and chased after my mom until the fourth grade!!
FINALLY, the big day that I have been waiting for more than five years had arrived. The first day of school! So, yesterday morning Robbie, Piper and I walked Reghan to school along with her backpack, supplies and lunch. I have to admit she looked adorable in her navy pleated skort and white ruffled blouse. Of course, Reghan's outfit was complete with a big bow!
After the morning flagpole meeting the kids headed to their class and so did all the parents (secretly I was hoping I could leave then). We were in class for about 30 minutes while the teacher did some things. After a while the teacher said it was time for parents to leave (YES!!) and kids need to go say goodbye and then come back to the rug. Well, Reghan turned around on the rug and flashed us the I Love You sign and then quickly turned around to her teacher!
Exactly what I wanted! It was conformation that we have raised an independent child that knows I will come back for her at the end of the day! So, we left the school and walked home. I was so excited walking home. I spent my time praying and thanking God for Reghan and her independant spirit. I also asked God to make Reghan dependent on Him.
Today was day 2. Reghan, Piper and I walked to school in time for Reghan to play on the playground with her friend. Then, again it was flagpole time. I told her I was going to stay for flagpole and then leave. Reghan's response was "I don't need you here. You can go home now!" I stood there again in amazement of my child and watched her during flagpole. The, she confidently walked with her class to their room. No tears, no clingy child, no nothing! I cannot wait to hear about her day.
3 comments:
Well done mama! I will need to remember these brainwashing techniques in a couple years time.
Good job Laurie!! You will have to remind me of all of this next year ... ekk!!
Great job, Laurie! You've raised a strong daughter.
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