Bito will be starting kindergarten this fall at the local elementary school.
I’m not sad or anxious in a, “My baby is leaving!” sort of way. Instead, I am afraid my sweet baby boy’s exquisite self won’t be known. Yes, I freely admit that as his mother (and the person he has spent the most time with in his entire life!), I think he’s truly awesome. He’s a complex one, my Bito. It takes some time getting to know and appreciate him, and that process can be difficult. But oh, how I love him and want him to be known.
I trust that his teacher, whoever he or she is, will see my child in a different light. I’ve experienced this when I was a teacher, with my students. Parents and teachers see the same child with different lenses. I hope Bito is the one who introduces himself to his teacher–not me. I know I can talk about my son until I am blue in the face, but I also know Bito’s behavior and personality with others is different than what he is with me…so I hope he “unfolds” himself to his teacher on his own. I want to be a part of the school/home relationship but not overstep my boundaries by “showcasing” Bito to his teacher.
I wonder if my experience as a teacher will help me nurture a good teacher-parent relationship, or just make me bad at it? I know it’s a partnership, but it’s my first time being The Parent in this partnership!
I look forward to seeing my son Bito the Student. I look forward to seeing him from his teacher’s lens.
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You’re doing great. I think having been a teacher will give you good insight into the relationship. I totally get what you’re saying here. He’ll do great!
Beautiful post. And it’s nice to read a positive post about a child starting school.
Congratulations on your almost kindergartner! I hope Bito has a fabulous first day of school and have no doubt that your experience as a teacher will help you nurture a good parent-teacher relationship! Keep me posted on how the first day goes!
Oh, excellent points. I think I fall way on the other side, of making sure that my child is known. Perhaps this year I should be a little quieter.
Thanks for the food for thought.
I am giving myself almost the same pep talk daily now…since the first day of school is only 1 week away.
It is interesting to see kids through their teachers’ eyes. I’m proud of my kids the students. Sometimes I wonder if the teachers are really talking about my child(ren) when the report is glowing. I’m thinking this is not the kid that left my house this morning. Good luck with the first day.
I completely understand what you’re saying. Sometimes it takes a little extra effort to get to know certain people, especially those who are on the quieter side. I was so relieved that my daughter’s first grade teacher seemed to really get to know her well, and I hope that she’ll have more teachers down the line who will take the time to do that.