Play-Learn-Grow-Repeat

The program at which Haley will be attending pre-kindergarten is brand new. We haven’t gotten much information about it so naturally we’re anxious and curious about how the year will go. Fortunately, we’re not alone. A group of parents in the same boat got in touch a few weeks ago, and a few of us met over the weekend.

It was great getting Haley together with some kids who might be in her class. Immediately after playing with one of the other girls for a few minutes, Haley announced in classic Haley fashion: “Maddy is my best friend.” It’s great that she’ll see familiar faces when starting school, even if everything else about it is rather unfamiliar.

I think I enjoyed the get-together even more that Haley did. It was great to meet like-minded parents who had the same level of interest in their children’s education. Most of the families are in the same school zone as we are, so these are faces we might be seeing regularly for years to come. It’s weird and invigorating. Having kids that were only baby/toddler age had been sort of isolating for me.

Sure, I would meet nice moms in the neighborhood here and there, but no one I felt bonded to, and I think the lack of structured unity is the reason why. Some families we met through preschool and other classes were great, but it just wasn’t that many hours together. With kids as full-time classmates spending so many hours a week together, it seems like there’s a shift. School is such a big part of a family’s life; it’s only natural that that’s when and where strong bonds are formed.

I’m truly looking forward to the school years ahead. It may be a bumpy ride, but at least there will be commiseration. And who knows, maybe we’ll all make some lifelong friends.