Lessons From My Kindergartner

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In  less than a week, my daughter begins Kindergarten.  While my older son fearlessly sped toward the doors of his elementary school, eager for the opportunity to meet new friends and navigate a whole new school, my daughter’s gait is slow and trembling.  Her fears reveal themselves mainly at night as we cuddle together, heads atop her unicorn pillow pet.

“Will I be allowed to play outside?”  “Can I draw there?”  “Will the other kids laugh at me?” “What if I don’t make any friends?”  “Will they have mac ‘n cheese for lunch?”

Her questions, some seemingly simple to answer and others heartachingly difficult if one is to be truthful, remind me how fragile many students are this year at KHS, too.

As we are prepare our classrooms and lessons, let us remember that sometimes the questions we ask are not as important as listening to the questions posed to us.  

My soon-to-be kindergartner would like to add that recess and drawing might help kids feel better, too.  

6 thoughts on “Lessons From My Kindergartner

  1. Kerry- I am in the same boat as you. 2nd child beginning kindergarten. How different we view school and students from the eyes of a parent rather than as the teacher.

    • I think my view as an educator continues to change with each child, too. I really want my kids listened to and cared for most of all. Keeping their passions and inquisitive natures fed runs a close second!

  2. I’m still having those late night conversations with my girl, but now her thoughts are about living in her first apartment and what will happen when college is over. It’s interesting how change can make all of us feel like a timid kindergartner again. Thanks for the reminder that during some of our most exciting times we can still feel fragile.

    • Excitement and fragility are an odd couple, but I would say that my daughter’s emotions aren’t far from my own at the beginning of a new challenge. I tend to put on a brave face and try to cover up my insecurities with my raging extrovert nature, but if someone really listens, she can hear the tension of those feelings just beneath the surface.

  3. Kerry,
    I know we’re not in touch so much anymore, but when I read this I thought what an amazing woman she became! Your tenderness with your daughter shines through. What a lucky family you have to have you at the helm!

  4. Thanks, AP! Pretty amazing to think how motherhood has both softened and strengthened us in ways we could have never imagined. Raising strong, smart women is no small feat, and I believe we are both doing great jobs.

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