It's been the summer of me. And I don't feel guilty one bit. As some of you know, in the summer my son spends a big chunk of the week with his dad. When new friends hear this piece of information I am often times asked, "Oh, I'm so sorry. You must miss him a lot?" I very kindly respond, "No, not really."
I LOVE the idea of having a visual that he can look at on his wall every day for every ticket earned he can add a sticker to a square (there are 25 squares). Once he has filled in all of the squares - he will be on his way! Having something tangible he can add to it so he knows where he is on his journey to the aquarium is so helpful. Also this way we are focused more on the positive behavior rather than the negative. Which is where my energy needs to be focused as a parent in this season of our lives.
"Before you speak, think and be smart, it's hard to fix a wrinkled heart." It's the second week of Kindergarten and my son already got his feelings hurt. I knew it was coming because well, kids can be mean. But it didn't hurt my heart any less - and it very obviously hurt my sons. So much so that he pushed the little boy that said " I don't like you. We're not friends....I don't like you - double." Should my son have pushed? Absolutely not. But should he have stood up for himself? Absolutely yes.
I already see such a difference in his happiness and all of my anxiety has gone out the window. I really love connecting with his teacher, peers and their parents every day. I'm looking forward to the school year and being able to be more present in my sons life. I don't get the luxury of being a stay at home mom, but this is the next best thing and I'll take it for all it's worth.
Motherhood is such a wild ride. You wait in line for months just waiting for this adventure to begin. Then suddenly you've fastened your seat belt, braced yourself, and GO. Unlike a real ride, this one doesn't slow down and you never get off. You may break down from time to time. You might even have to tighten your seat belt every now and again. But from the moment it's GO time - you go, and soar, twist and turn, and try to hold on for the biggest adventure of your life thus far.
My Party of Two 