|
Kid and Caboodle: Musings of a "Split-Shift" Mom  A few weeks ago, my son officially graduated from kindergarten. His school held a little ceremony for him and the seven others in his class during which the children showed off their singing, speaking and acting skills. At the end of the ceremony, the children put on caps and gowns and walked slowly across the room to the strains of "Pomp and Circumstance." Their teacher gave a short speech about each of the kids during which she described their individual personalities and development throughout the year then handed them "diplomas." When my husband and I first received the invitation to attend the graduation ceremony, I found it hard not to laugh. I had a hard time imagining our boisterous son looking solemn, or even sitting still for very long. I also wondered what was particularly significant about graduating from kindergarten, as opposed to high school or college. In the end, though, I was moved by the event -- not because it certified my son's fitness for the next academic level, but because it showed how fond of him his teachers and staff are. These people have helped care for him for more than half his short life. Now they must bid farewell as he moves to a new school in the fall. Is he ready? How will he handle homework and the absence of nap time? Will he get along with his new teachers and classmates? How will he adjust to taking the bus rather than riding with one of his parents? Our son's school seems to have confidence that he will weather the transition well. I hope he proves them right this fall. |
