Tuesday was Z.'s first day at preschool. We did a couple of playdates at the playground with other preschoolers and kindergarteners to get the kids acquainted and to meet other parents. It was set up by the PTO and it was a great idea. The new kids like Z. already became familiar with the school once the open house rolled around and he already knew the names of a couple of the kids come his first day. I also have since had a few nice conversations with other moms and dads and feel like we might make some new friends as parents too which is always a bonus when your kid starts school.
As expected Z. walked in and never looked back. I thought we'd at least stay until they started their circle time but as the seasoned preschoolers parents started to file out we composed ourselves, gathered up his little brother (who had no intention of leaving) and silently hugged Z. with our souls as we quietly made our exit trying not to disturb the game the teachers had so expertly involved all the children in, leaving us parents incapable of making a scene...
He led his classmates out the door later in the afternoon and one of his teachers said that he was a great leader. His father and I beamed with pride. She also said that he had shared toys with other kids without being prompted 4 times... I know that everyday will not as good as that but as a first day it was pretty near perfect for us all. Z. was never happier.
As a neurotic first time mom of a preschooler I came across this article from Wired's blog, the science of which I've heard before but found interesting none the less. Particularly this part:
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As expected Z. walked in and never looked back. I thought we'd at least stay until they started their circle time but as the seasoned preschoolers parents started to file out we composed ourselves, gathered up his little brother (who had no intention of leaving) and silently hugged Z. with our souls as we quietly made our exit trying not to disturb the game the teachers had so expertly involved all the children in, leaving us parents incapable of making a scene...
He led his classmates out the door later in the afternoon and one of his teachers said that he was a great leader. His father and I beamed with pride. She also said that he had shared toys with other kids without being prompted 4 times... I know that everyday will not as good as that but as a first day it was pretty near perfect for us all. Z. was never happier.
As a neurotic first time mom of a preschooler I came across this article from Wired's blog, the science of which I've heard before but found interesting none the less. Particularly this part:
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There are two lessons here. The first lesson is that upper-class parents worry too much. Although adults tend to fret over the details of parenting — Is it better to play the piano or the violin? Should I be a Tiger Mom or a Parisian mom? What are the long-term effects of sleep training? — these details are mostly insignificant. In the long run, the gift of money is that it gives a child constant access to a world of stimulation and enrichment, thus allowing her to fulfill her genetic potential. The greatest luxury we can give our children, it turns out, is the luxury of being the type of parent that doesn’t matter at all.
The second lesson is that stunning developmental inequalities set in almost immediately. As Tucker-Drob demonstrates, even the mental ability of 2-year-olds can be profoundly affected by the socioeconomic status of their parents. The end result is that their potential is held back.
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Its an eye opening understanding of the inequalities of two families; one without means and one with. The family without the kind of access a middle class family has, unwillingly sets their kid on a path where they cannot fulfil their potential if they don't have preschool access. So in other words, I say to myself chill the fuck out mama, your kid has got this. And while maybe preschool won't get Z. on a faster track to whatever greatness he is already destined for, I can see how he's going to benefit by just being independent from his inner family, not to mention all the new skills he's going to master and social interactions he'll encounter. He's going to rock it, school. World look out.
