School Days

Today was Anna's last day of preschool. She was peeved that school is over and just can't fathom why anyone would just close school down for the summer. Isn't it wonderful when school is actually still fun for kids? For those of you who remember the trauma when she entered school, you understand what a big statement that is and just how far she's come. Ben and I were laughing last night about how humorous/tragic that first month was, so I decided to post some of the stuff that came out of her mouth at that time (and you just never know what will come out of that child's mouth).

The first few days were dynamite. I had been expecting a scene, as she never does well with change, but she charged into that classroom without looking back. That was week one, the calm before the storm. Week two... she decides she doesn't like the boys. "They're nice, I just don't like them. I just don't like boys I don't know." OK...I know that in about 10 years I will be WISHING for her to make that statement, but for a preschooler? Come on... She also told me the only thing she liked about school was the goodbye song because that meant I was coming to get her and school was over. Great, I pay a monthly tuition for a goodbye song. I tried every reasoning tactic I could muster to remind her how great school was, nothing worked. Finally, I suggested a prayer, figuring that there was no time like the present for a spiritual experience. I could just imagine her childlike faith, how great this would be for her, and that she would always remember this experience. The conversation that followed went something like this…

Me: Why don’t we say a prayer, Anna, and ask God to help you at school so that you won’t be so nervous.

Anna: That won’t work.

Me: Well, God will always help you, but you have to believe that He will. If you really believe that He will, He WILL help you.

Anna: I believe He can help me, I just don’t think it’s going to work.

Me: Well, why don’t we give it a try?

She said her little prayer and I waited for her to tell me what a remarkable experience it was and that she was ready to go to school with a smile. Instead, all I heard was her quiet muttering, “Well, THAT didn’t work. Still nervous.” Nice. So much for her spiritual experience.

Over time, her anxiety diminished, and it is now her favorite place to be. I laugh that maybe her prayer was answered. We'll see how next fall goes in her new preschool class, but until then, I guess I'll be coming up with interesting ways to keep her entertained for the summer. Wish me luck.