Tuck family

Oy. Kindergarten. It's finally here.

Today Sam joined the ranks of thousands of other students enrolled in one of Atlanta Public Schools. It's a pretty low key school system so I'm sure you've never heard anything about it. We love our school and believe Sam is in the right place to learn and grow. Oh yeah... I'll be hitting you up for donations later this year.

I have mixed feelings about sending him off to kindergarten. Basically it boils down to: I can't believe my baby is this old (He's just a baby! He needs me!) vs. Thank you Lord, I thought this day would never come.

I told myself all along I wouldn't cry or be sad, and I did feel a bit down yesterday, but this morning I was totally fine. Actually, I was kind of relieved because he was acting like such a toot before school. Frankly, I think we were both a smidge eager to spend some time apart.

Sam had a great day based on the information I could pry out of him. The first time I asked how his day was, all I got was "good." Then I asked what he did. "I can't remember."

Hmmmm.....

"What did you do in Math?"

"I can't remember."

"OK, what did you do in Reading?"

"I can't remember."

"Alright... did you play any games? Sing any songs?"

"I can't remember."

What?! Who are you, Oliver North?

Thankfully, while talking with other moms, I learned I am not the only one who receives these trite answers from my son about his school day. Apparently there is some gene that kicks in when a boy is about 4 or 5 that negatively affects his short term memory. The memory loss is most prominent when trying to recall any useful or academic information. Interestingly enough, the capacity to remember all things Beyblade or Power Rangers remains intact. One can only assume that this retained information lays the foundation for an enormous part of the male brain inside which millions of obscure and useless sports statistics will one day reside.

(I also have a theory about little girls, Disney, princesses, and vaccines but I will save that for a later date!)

Back to the subject at hand...

More than anything else I felt (feel) nervous about Sam going to kindergarten. My worries: What if he doesn't listen because he's lost in SamWorld? What if he doesn't speak up when needs something? What if he doesn't make any friends? What if all he talks about is Mario and Luigi and the Power Rangers? Will other parents judge me for letting him play video games? Will his teacher question my parenting skills? What if he cries and acts like a brat? And, of course, HOW CAN HE POSSIBLY FUNCTION WITHOUT ME??

I know, I know- I need to stop. Truthfully and selfishly, I am a little worried about how his behavior will reflect upon me. I don't like to think that others are judging ME based on my children's behavior- unless they are judging me for their excellent behavior. Then, by all means, judge away!

So, it turns out this transition will not be easy. For me. I need to get over myself! This is about the boy- not me!! Will you remind me of that every once in a while?

Tomorrow is Day 2- First Day on the Bus. Stay tuned...