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We registered Jackson for kindergarten last week. It seems like this growing up thing is sticking. Life keeps pushing along while I stand stunned, staring at this handsome boy who used to be my baby.
Registering him for kindergarten wasn’t that easy of a task either.
We want Jackson to go to French Immersion (my husband is from Quebec) and while this program is part of the public system, spaces are limited. I have been worrying for months (well actually years) that he wouldn’t get in.
Up until last year, parents camped out over night to ensure a spot. Now the system has been changed to phone registration. The clock ticks down to the second and then we all jam the lines like crazed concert goers, praying that miraculously our phone line happens to make it into the queue. Personally I would rather sit in the cold for 24 hours than leave my son’s fate up to chance. But I had no choice in the matter.
I had huge notes hung around Susan’s house and ours reminding us of the big event. I had everyone versed on the plan of attack. We would use every line available, home, business and cell. Each person would be responsible for two phones. That way we could have eight lines trying to get through – four from our house, four from Susan’s.
But we got a lucky break. Due to a huge snowstorm, Susan’s husband Rob ended up working from home. That added another body and another phone.
We synced our clocks (I had phoned the school board the day before and synced my clock to theirs) and waited till the exact moment. Then we dialed. And redialed. And redialed. It wasn’t working! Ten minutes passed. Nine lines and we weren’t getting through! I started to feel hopeless. I kept trying to keep the rhythm of redialing going, but I was beginning to panic.
And then Susan instant messaged me, “Rob got through…Mom is talking to them…She is giving them his information…”
I couldn’t believe it. I still kept redialing for another two minutes as I tried to believe it. He is in.
The relief didn’t rush in as I thought it would. I was in disbelief for awhile. And then I began to relax, thanking God for that ninth line. It was Rob that had managed to get his line answered.
So on Friday Jackson and I went up to the school to officially register him. Because it is a special program, he isn’t going to our neighborhood school. It is about a 10 minute drive away and it was the first time either Jackson or I had seen the school. I suppose I am over-sentimental, but I felt so excited to see this place where my son will be beginning his schooling career.
We found our way to the office and I began filling out the forms. My ever-social son (the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree) began making friends with another soon-to-be kindergartener.
Then the other boy’s mom finished and they left. The hall started to fill up with students, filing through in pairs to pick up the bins for Friday’s hot lunch. Now Jackson stood next to me, pushing himself against the wall. I kept looking up from my forms to watch the various ages walking by, imagining Jackson in their different sized shoes.
When the last bin was carried away and there were no more “big kids” to be seen, Jackson whispered to me, “Phew, I am glad that is over.” Yes, my little guy is pretty nervous about the whole thing. I am nervous for goodness sakes – he must be too!
Growing up is scary. I am afraid to let my boy go out in that world where kids will be mean and teachers will be unfair. I won’t be able to control his environment and protect him from pain. I will have to let him experience all the bad days along with all the good.
I will have to let him grow up, like every boy must.
Christel says
My daughter started Kindergarten last year and it was very nerve-wracking, even just getting her registered at the public school. It wasn’t so bad being away from her because she’d been in pre-school since age 3, but I worried about everything else.
Julie says
Janice,
I cried as I read your post. What a heart-wrenching experience. I remember teaching school and seeing my sweet little class come in while their mothers for the most part stood in tears in the hallway.
Since we homeschool, of course I have not had the pressure of “getting in” or sending them off. But my youngest is the same age as Jackson and I can only imagine what you went through.
Congratulations on achieving your goal!
Karla~Looking Towards Heaven says
i agree with what Carol said… sometimes redial just doesn’t cut it…
BLessings,
Karla
Dana says
i am so glad you got what you wanted for Jackson–but i will be honest, this whole post simply makes me happier about my personal education choices.
Susanne says
I was noticing my handsome boy who used to be my baby almost 15 years ago is now taller than me and his voice is changing. Where has the time gone?
I remember those kindergarten days. I’m glad you got into the school you wanted. I’m sure with Jackson’s personality he’ll do just fine.
Carey says
Im so glad you got your son into the school you want him to go to…such a relief i am sure. Try not to worry about kindergarten, my third is in K this year…and she absolutely loves it..i get to go in once a week for 1 1/2 hours and help out in the class…they really learn alot.
Sarah says
Yikes…Thank God for the ninth line.
That is some serious competition to get into a school. We have a preschool around here that people camp out overnight prior to registration.
Angie says
I’m so glad that he got in! That had to be some serious stress!!! I hate to say it — but if you are anything like me, this feeling of not believing he is ready for kindergarten will only get worse as the date nears for the first day of school. But, I bet it will all go well! Good luck!
jen says
They grow up fast dont they
Yaye sounds like your plan worked.
I think its good to dee where our children will be and I would encourage you to stay in touch with the school – an informed parent is a good parent.
I think to an extend you can control the environment by staying in touch and acting when there is a problem
Praying for you both
God will be beside your boy even when you cant be
Carol says
Yeah. This whole parenting thing…It can get really crazy. And seems to just get crazier as it goes on because sometimes you just can’t get in no matter how much redialing goes on.
Diane says
Really! Oh my! While I can’t relate to such pressure so young–I am so glad for you that he got in. Yes, each step of their lives is a release–so to speak. I cried as well as my daughter stood at the bus stop many years ago, waiting to get on the bus (alone–for crying out loud) for her first day of kindergarten. As soon as she got on the bus, I lept into my car, raced to the school, so I could take a photo of her entering the building for her first day of kindergarten. It is scarey for them…it is horrifying for parents! Still, somehow, they make it! Then there is the Senior year of high school that I spent in denial. While she had prepared and done well academically–I was ill-prepared for her departure to adulthood. It is one of life’s greatest ironies…that we put our own life on hold for their life….and they grow up and leave! Yes, it is natures way–it cannot and should not be avoided but oh–how-hard-it-is to let a piece of your heart go out the door to adulthood!
I’m on the other side now, yes, I took my foots off the brake!, and it is simply, wonderful. She is a 26 year old married woman, gainfully employed, and wonderfully happy. My fear has subsided with each step of successful progress she has taken. While our relationship has entered a more peer-relationship, she will forever be my little girl, standing at the end of the driveway with her brand new pink back pack….waiting for the bus to come with full anticipation of good things once she steps onto it. When you approach life with that kind of anticipation and with the full support of a loving, sometimes, relentless mom at the door…..how can you fail!!!???!!!
Now, in all honesty, her successes are hers and her stumbles are hers. There is some freedom in that–I can count on her history to ease the fear of her future. Being a parent does not stop at the age of majority….but there is a release that happens whereby you can set back enjoy the journey–so don’t worry…it will get a bit easier!
Just that knowledge…..with a load of prayer…..makes the journey a little less stressful. The best practical advise I’ve ever received is simply…..letting our children make mistakes within the safety of their home to prepare them best for their independent future. Your son will do just fine….he’ll do better than fine with the support of his mom, his aunt, AND his grandmother advocating for him…..until he is able to advocate for himself as an adult.
Diane
Stacey says
My youngest turns ten at the end of this month. Growing up is hard, for the child and the mommy. ((hugs))
Life With All Boys says
Sending my boys to school everyday is still the hardest thing I have to do. I want to go too, to protect them like you said. They really aren’t little long enough.
Heather L. says
My oldest is in third now and I have one in preschool. I worried a lot for them, too. I always kept my anxiety to myself, though and I found that it helps them to relax (that’s the one word I use a lot) and not be so nervous. My oldest is a by-the-rules peace-keeper, so I worried about bullies and how other kids might influence him to do the wrong thing, but he has held fast to his ways.
With strong support and solid rules at home, he’ll do fine and always come to you when there’s a problem.
Glad you got Jackson in to the program. Thank God for family!
Chris says
This was so beautiful! You have expressed the thoughts and feelings of every mom who has prepared for Kindergarten. It is such a huge transition as you watch your child take this step and yet such a wonderful time as well. Continue to enjoy the moments!
Terri says
Whew, I do not miss that anxiety! It’s so crazy, especially for kindergarten. I bet you’re wrung out, I know I was!
Jessica says
I know the feeling! My daughter started Kindergarten this year and my son will start Kindergarten in two more years!!!
Barb says
This is so sweet, Janice. It brings back such memories. The day I took Krissy to her first day of kindergarten, I was an emotional wreck. Truly, I felt like for five years she’d been under my wing, totally protected, and leaving there felt like giving up a big piece of the control. I hated “turning her over to the world.” I went to work, sat at my desk and cried like a fool for all to see.
If it’s any encouragement at all, the second day was a LOT easier. She was so excited about going back, it make me feel a lot better.
ChupieandJsmama says
Oh my! We are going through something similar. We want our son to go to Catholic school, but with so many in the area closing, it is getting harder to get in. Our church has a school, and our son is enrolled in PSR for the second year, so I think this will give us a leg up, but you never know. I’m nervous about getting him in. I’m nervous about sending him to Kindergarten. I’m nervous about him growing up (maybe this is way my head has been hurting:D). If we sent him to public Kindergarten, I’d have the option of half day, but at the private school, it’s whole day. I’m not ready for my baby to be gone all day. I also signed Jason up last week for preschool (2 days a week). Both my babies are growing up (sniff, tears flowing).
Fiddledeedee (It Coulda' Been Worse) says
And you didn’t cry? I would have been in a puddle of my own tears. Growing up is hard. Letting them grow up is harder. For us Mommys. Good job mom.
Local Girl says
Letting them grow up and fend for themselves is a hard thing to do. Sounds like you handled yourself very well!