Preschool

So summertime is coming to a close, and folks are getting back into the swing of things. I took two trips this summer; one to a class reunion in TX, and one to a family wedding in Wisconsin, and this is what I have decided...I will no longer be taking long trips with young children involved. Whether it is flying the not so friendly skies, or putting in the earplugs and road-trippin it, I have retired from traveling with the little ones for a minimum of 5-7 years. If I can't get there in two hours of driving, we ain't going :)

So with things coming to a close for the summer, we decided to see about getting Elias in preschool, since he seems so eager to learn new things (like how to smuggle toys into his bed and play with them using a flashlight, under his covers). So he is now enrolled and starts school tomorrow. Wow, my baby is going to school. I feel so old! HAHA.

While we were going and looking at several different preschools, meeting with teachers, etc, I couldn't help but be reminded of my own preschool experience. The magical enchantment of walking into that big room full of kids books, building blocks, crayons, and the smell of Elmer's glue. I remember that there was so much to explore and so many things to dabble with, and the greatest part was that it was okay. Not only was I allowed to wander the room and pick things up, I was encouraged to. This was great! So there I was all over again, standing there watching my sons eyes light up as we entered the colorful room full of Elias-friendly toys, trinkets, books, and activities.

So last night he got his first little lunch box and backpack, Spiderman, of course, and some snacks and school supplies. I can't help but be excited for him, and at the same time a little nervous. What if he doesn't like it. What if he gets scared in the new environment. What if another kid picks on him or he gets in trouble. Millions of "what if"s that really come down to the fact that I won't be there to walk him through it. So really, it is not as much about him as it is about the fact that I have to let him learn and grow on his own. I have never really realized it before this, but that must be the hardest reality about parenting, letting go and letting God. I mean really, it is not like I won't be there with him for the rest of the day ( it is only four hours long). And it isn't like his amazingly friendly teachers aren't going to look out for him. So what is the big deal?

Maybe I am just jealous, hehe. Oh well, I am sure he will do fine.