Back to School

I know, I know, its been awhile. Summer came and went so fast, its hard to believe it is October. With the end of summer came the beginning of school. For Isabella that means "big girl" school, three days a week for a couple of hours. Its funny how the buzz about the teacher, the kids in the class, and most importantly, the OTHER teachers begins even before you've picked out their backpack.
The word in the playground was that a lot of other mom's wanted their kids in the OTHER teacher's class. Why? Well, we (me and my other Mommy friends) had a hard time finding that out. We met her in an orientation meeting about the class and thought she seemed very sweet. Needless to say, we spent the weeks before the first day yapping about this "situation" incessantly. The first few days of class the moms stayed to ease our kids into the classroom setting.
Well, this was, at least to me, more of a curse than a blessing. Isabella's teacher has been at her school for over 15 years, so I had no doubt in her ability or her passion for children. I wasn't worried about Isabella separating, either, since she went to camp all summer. That all being said, no one wants to hear someone else discipline or correct their child, even if its warranted. I get all "mama bear" when I hear my own mother say no to Isabella. Rules and discipline are necessary in this situation, though. Its a class of 8 3-year olds, some of which have never been in a school setting. They are learning all sorts of important life lessons, like waiting your turn, listening to the teacher, not interrupting other people and how to interact socially.
I tried to calm any fears the other Moms had that the teacher is too strict by reminding them (including myself) that so far, none of our kids had mentioned any negative things about school. Maybe (ok, definitely) we were starting to make a fuss over nothing. Once again, our worst fears were working overtime, starting to induce that infamous Mommy guilt and worry.
Knowing I am my kids' first teacher is a big empowerment but also overwhelming at times. I do the best I can to make them feel confident and secure when learning new things. They return the favor by reminding me that we all learn everyday. A great lesson from this is to let go, keep an open mind and listen to them for the answer to your worries. Look at their smiling faces, smile back and assure your overthinking Mommy brain that everything is alright.