This fall marks the end of my reign as a mom of preschoolers. My youngest daughter, Maddie starts kindergarten this September. Man, am I going to miss my little buddy.
I call this past year with just Maddie at home my sweet reward. While Kyle and Charlotte were at school, Maddie and I drank coffee, ate copious amounts of pancakes, and would just wander about town doing whatever we pleased. I did not teach her how to write her name, her numbers, or even the alphabet song. We just hung out and soaked up the sweetness of life.
Sometimes as moms we get worried about if we are doing enough with our children. If antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and two years of therapy have taught me anything it is this…you are enough just as you are…even with all your mistakes, oops, and “what have I done?”…you are enough.
It is so hard to measure success as a mom. But know this, you are a great mom; doing the best you can with what you have been given. Your children are going to be okay. Even if your kids never learn to ride a bike *, they will be okay.
Below is the fruit I have bestowed on Maddie in preparation for Kindergarten.
(Want to feel better about yourself, mom? Compare your child to this ;)
Maddie’s ready for kindergarten success list…
1. Can count to 10 on occasion and sometimes in order
2. Knows the colors pink, green, blue, red and purple
3. Can write the letters M, P, I, L in various orders
4. Can draw a human with arms, legs, face and body.
5. Can get snacks without help
6. Can wipe her butt
7. Can zip up her coat
8. Can carry on “meaningful” conversations with adults
9. Has developed multiple strategies for getting what she wants.
10. Enjoys shopping and has good taste in clothes
11. Says she can speak Spanish. I take her at her word because I never learned Spanish.
12. Learned how to make a pizza pie with her feet at Tippy Toes class. (I think this qualifies as a large motor skill)
13. Can cut up her quilts and pillows with a scissors. (Possible qualification for small motor skills and amazing strength. Have you every tried cutting cloth with safety scissors?)
14. Can tell really bad chicken jokes. (Social skill?)
15. Can order from a menu
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” I Peter 2:9 NIV
Are you sending your youngest to school this year? Sad? Excited? Both? Please share below and encourage other moms :)
