Mommy Got Homework

A few weeks ago I got a letter in the mail for my daughter's preschool orientation.  It was for parents but children were allowed to attend as long as they stayed with their parents.

I figured I would play it safe and take Emmy and Madison to my MIL's while I attended the meeting.  Containing a newly turned three year old and a one year old would take more attention than the meeting would.

My biggest fear going to orientation?  Where would we be sitting?  "Please, not those little chairs."   "Please not in those little chairs" was all that was running in my head the whole drive.  I had slept wrong two nights before and my back was still aching.  If I sat in one of those chairs, chances of me getting back up unaided would be slim. I was better off just standing for the hour long meeting if that was to be the case.

Luckily it wasn't.  We were in another room with big people chairs (padded ones at that).  The orientation was for the parents of children in the two-day am or pm program. I was ten minutes early and the parking lot was already packed as was the room down from the preschool class.  My fears quickly changed from sitting in those little chairs to being in such tight quaters with so many other parents.  I don't think I have been in a room with this many parents since my lamaze class days. There were about fifty parents in the room.

My husband got off easy going to work.  There is something intimidating about being around that many parents, especially moms.  Thank goodness I ran into a friend from playgroup on the way into the building. 

Most of the moms were just standing around.  Some knew each other and chatted quietly.   Others sought out the teachers and conversed with them. 

I am the type to smile if I make eye contact with strangers but am not really the type to start a conversation unless I have something to say.  Small talk is just not my thing.  Most of the moms kept a seat or two between them and the other parents which I found amusing since old habits seem hard to break.  Isn't it funny how we really like our comfort zones even as adults and parents?

Snow days, the giving tree (a tree in the hallway with paper apples for the parents to take with things needed for the classroom like tissues, juice, etc), snack volunteers, appropriate snacks,  how to dress your children (not in their Sunday best), and when not to send your child to school were all covered.  It was basically an introduction into parent common sense in the classroom.

The next day was their open house so the kids could meet the teachers and get familiar with the classroom.  I worried that Emmy would shut down with so many kids since it was open to all the kids from all the preschool programs.  Em just walked right in and started playing.  She was shy with the teachers but totally at ease with the chaos.  I am hoping that is the same next week when I drop her off. 

Next week I think will be a little tougher on me since I will have to leave her at the door to the classroom in the capable hands of her teacher rather than in mine.  That will be hard and I know I will struggle with turning and walking away. 

Mommy even got her first homework assignment.  I volunteered to cut a craft for the teacher.  I have 34 circles to cut by the end of the month!  At least I don't have to use safety scissors!