When I began this preschool program, the last day of school was nearly unbearable for me. I would look into those sweet little faces as they said goodbye and fight back tears. I worried about the dangers of the world as they left the comfortable cocoon of our classroom. Part of me wanted to keep them young forever so they wouldn't experience heartaches or failures in the real world. I would watch their chubby legs march off with their parents, headed into the big scary world of Kindergarten and think it would be all down-hill from there.
But then I grew up.
How ridiculous it was for me to cry on the last day of school. What message was I sending to these sweet little beings? Were my emotional reactions teaching them that Kindergarten or any new life experience was something to be feared?
Our goal as early childhood educators is to teach children that learning is exciting and something to embrace. We want children to have the confidence to try new experiences, whether it's painting with your feet in preschool or hopping on the yellow bus to Kindergarten. We want them to continually reach for that next rung on the ladder, even when you're a little worried about letting go of the familiar.
As a parent I've watched four children grow from babies into adults. I've spent nearly 30 years worrying myself sick about my kids even as I've attempted to "be anxious for nothing."* I've stewed when I thought they were headed in the wrong direction and cheered with great pride as they've accomplished life goals. As every parent does, I loved them throughout all these experiences, even when they were pain-in-the-neck teenagers! In spite of my shortcomings as a parent, God continues to mold them (and me) into the humans we are meant to be.
If I were just beginning my life as a parent, I would pray more and worry less. I would soak up every precious minute with my kids instead of worrying about keeping to the schedule. I wouldn't grieve the passage of time, but would truly celebrate every milestone and be excited about the next chapter of life. As I celebrate Mother's Day this Sunday I'll vow to take this advice!
Mrs. Mottice, Woodridge Primary School teacher and mother to Braden, came to visit last week. After teaching the children how to do the Kindergarten "bunny wave" and make fish tails with your hands behind your back, she told us the secret about Kindergarten--it's more fun than preschool. Actually, I asked her to relay this info to the kids and it's the same sentiment we'll send them out the door with next week. Not only is Kindergarten more fun than preschool, but every new stage in life is more exciting than the next.
Of course change is never easy, and there will be challenges and disappointments to be sure. But change, even when painful, is always good. God doesn't want us to stay caterpillars forever. He wants us to fight our way out of that chrysalis, dry our wings and soar to new heights.
*Phillipians 4:6 & 7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (New International Version)
