Friday, May 1, 2009

Not Today

I'm blessed with the wee ones. They may get in trouble from time to time, but they're overall good kids. They've never been super shy or clingy, and I've seen and heard horror stories about that from friends of mine.

I remember the first day of two year old preschool for Little Miss (and keep in mind she is 25 months and 2 days old at this point). We met for one hour, and the parents stayed in the classroom to better help their kids adjust.

The kids came shyly into the classroom -- except for Little Miss who bounded in -- and ran off to play with the toys, after some encouragement from their moms. After a few minutes, the child would run back to mom to just check in or to pull her over to the toy the child was playing with. This occurred over and over again during the hour we spent there.

I know this, because I spent the entire hour watching it happen. I was uninterrupted in my survey of the moms with their children, as Little Miss didn't so much as look in my direction the entire class period.

When it was time to go, she cheerfully came with me and told me about her playing, but for whatever reason, she didn't need to check with me while I was there in the room.

Preschool this year is much the same. She ran to the bus her first day of school, and happily chatters the whole way there. Her bus drivers always remark about how happy she is.

Today, we had our first taste of the alternative. As Papa John (her new bus driver) pulled into the driveway, I hustled Little Miss towards her shoes.

But I don't want to go to school?

I looked at her in shock. She chose that moment to scuttle away from me and into the playroom.

What do you mean you don't want to go to school? Why not?

She looked at me soulfully. I don't want to go. I just want to stay here with you today.

Oh, it was tempting. What a sweet little angel who just wanted to spend some more time with her mommy. My heart started to melt.

Then I remembered this is my devious child who wraps everyone around her finger and pushes things to the limit just to see what she can get away with.

Sorry, Peanut. It's a school day, but I'll see you as soon as preschool gets over.

The tears came, and I had to drag her outside and onto the bus. Once she was strapped into her carseat, she was ok although still subdued. And yes, even Papa John noticed.

She got off fine, but I felt badly. I couldn't imagine going through that or worse on a daily basis, and I know there are so many parents who do. Today, I'm counting my blessings!

5 comments:

septembermom May 1, 2009 at 2:12 PM  

Michelle, I'm glad that your survived such a tough send off. My kids were shy when they were Little Miss' age. They didn't fight going to school, but I was always nervous that they were uncomfortable or nervous during the time there. Little Miss will be fine. All kids have their days. Who knows why sometimes. She'll probably hop on the bus all smiles next time :)

Aubrey May 1, 2009 at 8:17 PM  

Awww! That would pull at my heart strings! I'm not sure I would have handled it as well as you did! LOL

Aunt Julie May 2, 2009 at 8:57 AM  

My second was always ready for new things, unless she wasn't. On several occasions I had to bundle her into the car in her pjs and get her over to preschool. The teachers had an easier time quieting her down and getting her dressed at that point in her young life. Glad we're past that phase! BTW, I've Blingged you this morning...please stop by to pick up this pretty cool award!

anymommy May 2, 2009 at 5:09 PM  

It's so hard whether it happens every day or just once in a while. I think, like you, I'll be more tempted to cave in because my kids hardly ever are shy or prefer to stay with me! But, as you said, they are also smart, smart little darlings.

Michelle May 3, 2009 at 7:15 PM  

septembermom - Once she was on the bus, she was fine. It was a maneuver to stay home but not a lasting one, luckily!

Aubrey - I'm glad you think I handled it well. I felt sorta bad about just ignoring her distress. Minimal though it may be and knowing that it would end shortly on its own.

Veggie Mom - That's too funny. I love that the preschool would get her dressed for you.

anymommy - Yep, totally smart little ones. Plus, I had stuff I needed to do ;)

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