Then You Were A Kindergartener

Today you enter Kindergarten. I can't believe it. I remember when you were born, I tried to think ahead to this day and I just couldn't quite grasp that it would ever happen. Yet here we are. On the brink of a major change in our lives.

We signed you up to attend a local private school and then about a month before school was to start, your dad and I felt a lot like Miss Clavel on your favorite movie Madeline when she declares: "Something is not right". We began to have doubts about school and so we spent a month praying over our decision.

Things changed in the school (a new teacher), we moved (necessitating a longer drive to/from school each day) and things changed with you (you started reading Little House On The Prairie chapter books). We began to talk extensively about how it seemed like a waste to spend money on school when you can read so well, and also when you can add/subtract. I didn't want you to be bored in school. I also wanted to encourage your love of learning while I could.

Thus last week, when those around us were heading to school, you stayed home to start your first "official" year of homeschooling.

But for your dad, the decision was not an easy one. He thrived on the socialization of school. He worried you would miss out. Worried that you would become behind. I had to gently remind him that you are already ahead and that, for this year, he doesn't have to worry about you being behind. I explained to him how you will be in story time, Sunday school, children's church, and children's choir. Plenty of time for you to make friends.

I worried too with this decision. For me, it means a lot more work. For I will be trying to do a little preschool with your sisters during the day too. It also means that I have to work extra hard at our relationship. I'm not naive enough to think the days will be all rosy and perfect, but for some reason I really think this year will be beautiful, healing, and a balm for both of our souls.

We are taking this on a year by year basis. But for this year, I am so confident that this is the right decision for you! You will thrive being home another year with us. Expanding your mind, exploring your world.

Yet at the same time, even though you are homeschooling, I want you to be aware that this is a big step for you. For you truly are growing up. Kindergarten is a big leap into the future and while we have never been able to go back, somehow this feels like we truly are leaping in the future. That future is up to you baby girl, and it all starts now.

Welcome to kindergarten!