Our 5 year old is starting Prep in 2017. It’s goodbye to wearing whatever he wants to kindy, and hello to uniforms and matching socks. It’s “See ya” to running late in the morning and making it to kindy by morning tea, and hello to the school bell and late notes.
We welcome the stationery list and ‘contacting’ all the new books – armed with a safety pin to get rid of air bubbles. We dream of a healthy school lunches and not losing his hat.
He’s no longer going to be the biggest in the playground and will soon be the smallest in a sea of other kids. He’s embracing change and asks each week when his “new school” starts.
He had orientation and, sure it didn’t start well… He told the teacher and the rest of the class he was just going to sit back and watch instead of joining in on the group dance. Then he pulled his Woolworths collector cards out of his pocket and tried to start a trade.
He’s excited about his new teachers and made a connection with the Deputy Principal by drawing her the final scene of Ghostbusters during his interview. Our little boy is growing up!
Where did the time go? When did he become this mini-dude who likes putting gel in his hair and pretending he’s riding a hover-board, just like Marty McFly from Back to the Future. How is it we were waiting for his first word for months and now, we can’t wait for silence?
Why doesn’t he love holding my hand all the time anymore?
Why does he tell me “That’s disgusting Mum, you’re rubbing your drool on me!!” when I do the mummy-clean on the milk moustache I’ve missed on the way out of the house. How did I end up falling down the list of exciting things – under Lego, movies, chocolate, McDonalds, Dory, salt-and-vinegar chips and funny videos that use the word “poop”. He passed his hearing test in the hospital but why, all of sudden, does he have selective hearing?
What I do know is that he’s growing into the most amazing, funny, strong and smart little person, and I couldn’t be prouder… Time is flying and I’ve got to remember to enjoy the many “firsts” that are on their way.
And I love the new school’s “Tea and Tissues” room that will be on standby for the first day at Prep. The rule is we’ve got to keep it together in front of the kids on the first day and then can happily lose our minds and cry like banshies in the other room. Will I make it? Only time will tell!
