Sometimes the media makes me crazy. Here in Florida, what just a few years ago would have been considered a simple tropical storm had us all in a tizzy. So much so that Jake’s first day of school was cancelled. Not that I’m minimizing hurricanes. I’ve lived through many of them and have a healthy respect. Anyhoo.
I was anxious to hear about the first day of first grade. When I asked Jake how it went, he didn’t disappoint
in the drama department. “Mom, it was the worst day ever.” Having heard this following his first swim lesson, I was certain he was bluffing. “We didn’t get to play on the playground.” Oh, the trauma.
Naturally, I drew on my Jagger “You can’t always get what you want” tactic that I save for such occasions. “You know Jake, you can’t always do everything you want. You’re a big kid in first grade. No snack time. No naps. It’s the big leagues bud.”
He pressed on.
So I went for the jugular.
“What do you think would happen if I didn’t go to work when I didn’t feel like it?”
Jake knows this answer. “We wouldn’t have money.”
Bingo kid.
If I sound like an unfeeling mom, I’m really not. I know that Jake is workin’ it, and secretly loved every minute of his first day: his stocked pencil box, the workbook tucked neatly in his desk, the name tag he wore around his neck, the friends he made. He loved it all. I find myself being tough because I don’t want him to be entitled. It would be so easy with one, so I fight it a little harder. Maybe more than I should.
Part of me is a little sad that the easy-peasy fun of kindergarten is over. I miss it already. Goodbye naps. Hello Friday spelling tests.
On another note: Mommy Pie invited me to get all random. I recently did this with Steph, but had so much more to say. Who knew? Considering I hate talking about myself. Random part deux to be continued…
8 Comments so far
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I LOVE that photo of Jake. Hee. Disgruntled 1st grader. Gawd. ADORABLE!
Also? I don’t think you were too tough on him. I’m raising a coupla kids with a flair for the dramatic (Tricia is shaping up to make a fine third to that set), and lots of times, I give them doses of reality because well, people like us (yes, they get it from *me) need that.
By Steph on 08.21.08 6:50 pm | Permalink
I’ve already started telling my 14-month-old, “Sometimes we have to do things we don’t want to do.” I think I told her that when I dropped her off at daycare today. My husband, on the other hand, is a softie. Guess that makes me the bad cop.
By Erin on 08.21.08 7:38 pm | Permalink
That picture is awesome! You should take one of you like that going to work and give it to him!
I feel like we are too hard on our Jake sometimes. When other kids are running amuck and staying up late, mine is stuck cleaning up or going to bed on time (except for a few special occasions). I feel like we nag him a lot and I wonder all too often if we should stop. The hard part of all this is that we can’t see into the future to know what kind of man he will become if we do or we don’t so all we can do is trust our instincts….
By Kim @ What's That Smell? on 08.22.08 3:54 am | Permalink
I remember First Grade very clearly — my teacher was a Mrs. Livingstone — and loved every minute of it! I bet you’re right, and that Jake will love it too.
By Katia / Crazy For Trying on 08.22.08 6:44 am | Permalink
Adorable pic. I’m sure he had a grand time on his first day. And you’re so right, so many people today feel a sense of entitlement. There’s nothing wrong with teaching boundaries. You’re a great mom!
By Mary on 08.22.08 7:58 am | Permalink
Your parenting in this story sounds spot-on. Spot on!!
By Dawn on 08.22.08 9:34 am | Permalink
You don’t sound too tough at all!
I think the trend is to “over parent” and “over coddle,” which does a disservice to our kids. I’m glad you’re not doing THAT.
By San Diego Momma on 08.23.08 2:05 pm | Permalink
One of mine is just like that. Tells me all her woes but secretly has a blast. He looks adorable in the photo though
By Rebecca on 08.23.08 2:30 pm | Permalink
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