Yes, the fateful day has finally arrived. Sebastian and Collette start preschool tomorrow. Weeks after everyone else has started school. But its cool. Preschool is serious business and its not to be rushed. We wouldn't want them to burnout on coloring and circle time by Thanksgiving.
And actually, our preschool doesn't technically start tomorrow. Tomorrow is an hour long orientation for students and parents. Then Tuesday, Sebastian and Collette will join half of their classmates for 2 hours (instead of 2.5 hours) and skip Thursday so the other half of the class can have their "first" day. Next week begins our real first proper week of school. Oy. Talk about taking it slow.
I'm 80% excited for them to start and 20% sad. Well, maybe 90/10. The fact that there is any sadness surprises me - I was sure I would be one of those moms just barely slowing down and kicking the kids out the minivan sliding door. But it looks like I won't be because they tried on their little backpacks today (a marketers dream - Thomas and Dora...) and I almost started to cry. It just seemed so real!
As for the kids, they are confused, mostly. The thing is, we call their EI playgroup "school" because they have teachers and I leave the room. So when I tell them they will start school soon, they answer back with all the names of their current EI teachers. Try as I might to drive home the point that this is a new school with new teachers, it doesn't seem to be sinking in. But, I guess that's what tomorrow is for. Funny side note - I asked the twins what they will say to their new teacher and Collette responded with "Happy Birthday!" I think she'll make a good impression.
I know that they'll love it - its basically a room full of kids and toys. And snacks. Really, what's not to love? But I'm a mom now which means I have a special "worry" hormone going in full force just for instances like these. I worry that the teachers won't understand them. I worry they won't make friends. I worry they'll cry and hate school (despite aforementioned toys and snacks). I worry that Sebastian will poop every time and I'll have to go change him. I worry that the teachers will like one twin more than the other. Or, even worse, dislike them both. It's weird for me to just leave them in the care of complete strangers, especially after rarely leaving them with sitters - and even then its usually a family member.
Hopefully, they won't smell my fear.
Oh Nicole, I am so excited for them, they will love it and you will too! Like all new things, it will take some time to get used to, but before you know it they will come home raving about their friends and all that they are learning and you will get to really enjoy having Matteo all to yourself! I was so emotional when Jackson started preschool and now Kindergarten (shocking, I know ;)) but it passes and when you see them grow and change for the better, it makes a big difference!
ReplyDeleteGood luck, keep us posted!!
Aaaawww, I would also (almost) cry.
ReplyDeleteI have no advice because I'm not letting mine go to school just yet. It's all I can do to let them go to 1.5 hours of children's church every week :)
Don't be surprised how tired they are. Have lunch on the table before they get home so you can eat when you're in the door and head for naps. My two are crazy tired.
ReplyDelete