Pre-K Doesn’t Have A Bell
I am suddenly sad today. I’ve realized that this time next year my only child will be in kindergarten. Which in reality means he’ll be in school full-time from now, until he uses all of that college savings we’ve been investing in.
Most parents rejoice at the thought of sending their little one’s out the door for the day and I thought I would share that excitement. But then I realized that this is the last year we can get up late and it not be a big deal. No worries if we walk into his Pre-K class 5 minutes late. There is no bell.
In the past we’ve relished our “home-days” together. For us it meant staying in our pajama’s all day and watching movies. Now we’ll have to start praying for snow days.
I think it all boils down to me losing some sense of control and influence in his little world. We can’t plan 4-day weekends and take off to visit family without him missing school. The kind of school that you need to call in sick for.
So this year I’ll have take advantage of a few more days where I pick him up before lunch & we can go out just the two of us. Then we spend the afternoon snuggling in my bed reading books and giggling. Because not only is he going to be in school next year, but the older he gets the less he’ll think hanging with me is cool.
I SO miss those days days with PunditGirl. I distinctly remember thinking in pre-K that it was so great to sunggle in bed late — no need to be there until 9:30! Now, it’s out the door for 2nd grade at 7:55 a.m. –no more lounging for the two of us. I miss it.
You’re lucky to be in a place where snow days are possible. We never miss school! Well, unless a hurricane comes of course.
I wish I’d been wise to this when my kids were in pre-school but, alas, I missed the good years, the easy years and now early dismissal requires a note. My kids are gone from 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. The afternoon is spent on homework and snack and piano or soccer. It’s all rushing by so fast.
Savor this year with your wee one!
That made me sad too when my oldest, and only at that time, child started school. But I find I’ve gotten use to the school calendar now and wonder how I organized my life before we had it.
The good part is when they bring grandkids to visit you. Enjoy your time together while you can, then look forward to the next generation, the ones you can spoil without guilt:)
This post really touched my heart. I wish I had a mother who was more like you when I was a child. You and your son’s bond will last–even if it’s only through the snow days. Emily, will you be my mom?
I’m having the same sadness as Noah my grandson four will go full time to kindergarten next year… I worked while my children were growing up. However, my daughter and I have had many days, free from obligation with Noah.. Anything we want to do, we did… Sherry is also having a hard time, so bless you wonderful mothers for wanting to be with your children, and recognizing there is nothing more important and unconditional then the love of a child…
Dorothy from grammology
call your grandma
My youngest starts Kindy in February and I’m already getting pangs. Some days I’m looking forward to it. I’ll have to opportunity to do ‘normal adult’ things during the day that a ‘mom and bub’ just can’t do. Writer’s groups, hours in the book store, actually sitting down for more than a few minutes at a time…
Then I have the days where I can already sense the detachment. I miss my baby. He has grown so big and is gaining a sense of independence. It won’t be long before spontaneous kisses and giggling games of peek-a-boo are long behind him.
Of course, the solution is to have another baby.
That gives you four to five more years or the daytime mommy routine. Now, who hid the sperm donors?
Oh, I know exactly what you mean. I’m just starting the process of applying to preschools and it all seems so serious. I want my time with my little one! B/c I work 3 days I only want to send him 3 days a week, but I’m having trouble finding a school that will do that. I want him home w/ me the other two days. That’s why I work part-time.
Aw your little fella is growing up. Your post made me ultra-broody!!!
this was so sweet and wistful…and wise, too. i think a few more days of “home days” is a great idea.
and…really? there comes a point where you can get them to snuggle in bed and sleep in? mine wakes up at quarter to crocus raring to take on the world…which i’m sure is a good quality…but wow, i’m dying for a kid i can keep in bed.
So great to meet you this week!! Wish we could have blathered on some more. You’ll just have to make it to BlogHer next year…
So much of what you wrote in this post I hardly considered before that first day of kindergarten, but it’s so true - the flexibility of pre-school is no more! I’m grateful that we’re in the afternoon kindie program; for now, mornings can continue to be relatively pleasant (until next year, that is).
Good on you for being conscious of this last precious year, and savoring it! (and just think of the exciting milestones ahead for you and your little one!
My youngest started pre-k this year, which for us is part of a pre-k/kindergarten public Montessori school. Which means we have a bell. Oh, how I miss those “it’s okay if we’re late or we leave early” days.
Thank goodness for playing hookey. We do it often.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. Nice to meet you!
When my eldest (now 7) went to Kindergarten I cried and cried. I cried that I would have less control. Not as a control freak but if his teacher weren’t that extra sensitive or just a little bit less caring,…what could I do. No longer am I the one mostly involved in his life. BUT here he is in Grade 1 and loving it. Good teachers so far and he is happy.
Next year my middle boy is going to Kindergarten though - and already my throat closes up not knowing how he will handle the change.
YES enjoy this last year