Play-Learn-Grow-Repeat

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Our lovable but often stubborn son, Tate, has been showing signs of separation anxiety when I drop him off at Preschool. This is a recent development that appeared after he returned to school following his long holiday break.  Weeks later, I am concerned he is still apprehensive about going to school.

Tate’s Preschool has a great curriculum and structure that helped our oldest son when he transitioned to Kindergarten.  I am confident the school is not the problem. Up until now, he would barely let me kiss him goodbye before running off to play with a friend.  Every now and again, Tate will stay home with me and we will have a special day together.  We’ll go out to lunch or play at the park.  In the last year and a half, he’s never showed signs of school refusal.  I don’t like to see him upset, but sometimes I wonder if his strong willed personality takes control.

When we arrive at drop off, Tate has a sad face with tear filled eyes and a quivering lower lip.  Thankfully, he isn’t screaming or throwing a tantrum.  It is a sight that tugs my heartstrings. However, I’ve learned over the years the quicker I’m out of sight the quicker he cheers up and gets over it.  When I return to pick him up he is smiling and telling me all about the fun activities he did at school.  His teacher assures me he is happy and enjoying school.  He tells me he loves school and his friends.

It’s a bit confusing seeing him so upset in the morning yet some days not wanting to leave in the afternoons.  I am sure it is just a phase brought on by the hours we spent together over break and recent snow days.  As my husband says, “Tate just loves his Mommy.”  Fortunately, I think he is right.

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
I love watching a big-time sporting event. We’re college football fans, so I especially enjoy the Super Bowl. It’s nice to watch a football game without my pulse racing. I don’t usually care about the outcome (unless the Giants are playing—gotta support the hometown team!) so I can relax and chat. It’s pure entertainment. Speaking of entertainment, I also look forward to the National Anthem, the Halftime Show, and the commercials. We like to make a lot of fun foods to enjoy, like homemade chicken wings, queso dip and sweet potato fries.

The Super Bowl might not matter to a lot of people, but to me it’s just another great excuse to have family time. Haley loves the excitement of a football game and will adorably yell “touchdown,” whether it’s appropriate or not. She doesn’t make it all the way through the game just yet due to bedtime, but I look forward to the day when she will.

Even better than the Super Bowl, some might say, is the Puppy Bowl. Cute puppies running after toys and wrestling each other never gets old. I could watch that show for hours and surprisingly, so can a lot of people. Last year, 12.4 million people watched! Not to be outdone, another channel features a four-hour special of a goldfish swimming in a bowl. That may be where I draw the line when it comes to alternative entertainment.

I can remember sitting on the couch with my family as a little girl watching the Super Bowl. We always had friends and family over. There was food, laughter, and endless fun. Even as a little kid, I absorbed the opinions of the adults around me and had a lot to say at school the next day. I didn’t know what I was talking about, but I was so invested. I guess it’s just nice to feel united with the people you love and have something to cheer for.