Don't Lament

A very wise and respected friend once gave me good advice about being a parent. "Don't lament, just enjoy," she said. And though I try, it is much easier said than done.

This year, the Montessori school that Hayes has attended for two years, has moved to a new location. And for quite some time, I have eagerly awaited this evening's open house. Needless to say, plenty of new parents showed up for an orientation to the school, and the preschool process in general.

It all began as expected; the Director spoke about founding the school four years ago and the many strides the school has made since then. And everything still seemed quite normal when she opened the floor for questions from us parents. Really, it wasn't until the question and answer period naturally shifted from general inquiries to the more child-specific, that things got sappy. I remember someone asking if parents are allowed to stay with their child for just a few minutes in the classroom before leaving them for the day. Then there was a question about how the school will deal with an energetic kid who has never been away from home. And by the time we all walked out of there, there were only a few dry eyes among us--except for the fathers, of course. (Perhaps we can reflect on that phenomenon at another time). What were we all misty-eyed about?

Well, those of us who are new to the preschool process were emotional with the thought of giving our children over to a group of total strangers for the first time. And those of us who are not new to the process got emotional remembering what it's like to have to entrust strangers with your child until they are no longer considered strangers.

It was precisely the moment that is hard for a parent to enjoy. And depending on the circumstance, quite easy to lament.