I'm sure she'll do great, but this is definitely one of those things that, as a parent, give me heartburn. Did we chose the right school? Is she actually going to learn something or is this a waste of time and money? We put her in the three day a week class which is really for socialization which honestly she doesn't need help with. But the 5 day a week class is so expensive and not as easy to work into the schedule. Did we make the right choice? Dear God I hope she's not going to be a bully!
So far it's been pretty easy raising Sofia. All in all she's a good kid. Does she give me attitude? Sure, on a daily basis. Is she challenging at times? Of course, what kid isn't. Being Sofia's parent has not been rocket science. Keep her happy and healthy and try to stay patient as she learns about the world around her. But I have a feeling those care free days of parenting are soon coming to a close. Now I actually have to worry about what kind of person she is going to become. Not only do I have to teach her how to be a good person, I have to teach her how to deal with people that may not be good people. People who may not have parents as involved as we are. People who need a little help with knowing empathy and sympathy and good decision-making. And this is just preschool that she's starting. Reading the newspaper and seeing what high school culture is like now, I can't even begin to imagine how much it will change by the time Sofia gets there 10 years from now. We are talking totally different ball game than what I went through. I didn't have to deal with cyber bullying. Or worrying that something I send to a friend could go viral on the internet. When a friend said they'd die of embarrassment, I wasn't worried that they really meant it. I wasn't worried that a teacher might molest me. Or that someone might take advantage of me if I passed out drunk at a party.
Maybe I should stop reading the newspaper.
So why did I sign up for this parenting business again?
Oh yeah, because it's amazing. Because seeing my kids grow through their accomplishments is like no other feeling in the world. Because what good would life be without some challenges along the way. Because if you are doing it right, it's the scariest thing in the world, but it's also the most fulfilling. It gives me a very good reason to be a good person. And because it's awesome to be loved by someone unconditionally simply because I exist. So to Sofia (and Thomas and Jacob for that matter) I hope you realize I'm doing the best that I can, that I love you a lot, and that if this preschool business sucks, I'm not too worried because I'm sure you won't remember it anyway.
My biggest fear for all children is that school will squash their spirit, creativity, and curiosity. I think you've done a great job with Sofia, and she already seems like she's got a good head on her shoulders.
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