My son attends his first day of 4 year old kindergarten tomorrow morning. We have bought school supplies, new clothing, met his teacher, and toured the classroom. Every few days we ride our bikes past “my new school” and talk about what to expect and what he will be doing. He is excited. I am nervous.
Even though he has done part-time day care this is something new for him and us. He will be attending 5 days a week and will soon have a new set of school friends, routines, and stories. I am looking forward to hearing his stories, but I know he will be exposed to the bigger world of teasing, bullying, and rough housing (good and bad). Eventually he will bring home some new vocabularly words best saved for the locker room.
In addition to talking a lot about school with him, I have been talking to other parents (including my own) that have been through this ritual and asking for tips and advice. I also find myself reading blog posts about parenting and children that I never would have read or caught my eye six months ago. Here are a few posts/blogs I would like to share:
7 Tips for a Healthier Back to School Season – I am especially fond of the hand cleaning tip.
TogetherTime4Families – A blog by my son’s Grandmother. We have tried and enjoyed many of the activities to improve his love of reading and books.
Dad – O – Matic – A blog for fathers. As a father I strive to be intentional in how I raise my children. Certainly we have lots of spontaneity in our house, but I have a vision of the young man and young woman I want my son and daughter to become.
With that vision in mind I will be repeating this familiar mantra – he has heard it thousands of times – to my son on his first day of 4-K:
- Make good choices;
- Be a good listener; and
- Help others.
Michael, have a great day. Love Daddy.
