Watching our Hard Work Blossom: Erica on School

I think Amy said it perfectly for me: “I can hardly wait to get Jake out the door in the morning but start watching the clock right after lunch for the 4:10 bus. And then it’s only a matter of minutes before I’m exasperated yet again.”    My kids are 4 and 2–my oldest will start K next year.  I simply cannot believe that my little boy is old enough to start K in a few months.  As a teacher, I know how brutal schools can be and I don’t want to put him in harms way…  but, I know it will be good for him and there is so much to learn at schools other than the 3Rs.  I am simultaneously excited for him and totally frightened of letting go (even if just a little bit) to let him grow.  

My wise grandmother once said that schools cannot do everything–that parents really need to supplement a public school education with other things.  Of course the most important work, I believe, is done these first four years of life…  We’ve all worked hard–really hard.  It will be a joy to watch our hard work blossoming.

This piece first appeared as a comment on School!