I know that before I've mentioned that preschool stresses me out. Before, it was because I kept getting these reports telling me that I needed to work with Gavin on his letters and writing his name, even though I ALREADY WAS! Well, there's another reason it stresses me out. Okay, maybe two.
First, someone else is witnessing my child's bad behavior and then watching me like a hawk to see how I handle it. Last week, or maybe the week before, I got a "bad behavior report" from Gavin's teacher. It seems that Gavin had some issues keeping his hands to himself. And by that I mean he punched another boy (who supposedly also punched him). Apparently, they were wrestling and sudden blows were being thrown. As the teacher tells me this, she stares at me, scrutinizes the interaction I have with Gavin (which included dirty looks, disappointment, a punishment of never being allowed to wrestle again, and, of course, the ever-famous, "What do you think your father is going to say?"), and secretly judges me in her mind (or at least that's what I think she's doing).
But truthfully, bad behavior and (supposed) criticism of my parenting doesn't stress me out as much as all the things I have to remember. For example, this is a "theme week" at preschool. I only know this because they put a poster on the wall at preschool. Today, was pajama day - probably Gavin's favorite day of the year. Well, I forgot. And, I didn't realize it until I was well on my way to work - my hour long commute in 6 inches of snow) - running late, of course. I made the mistake of mentioning it to Gavin ("Oh, I forgot today was pajama day), who was utterly panicked.
"Mommy, you need to pull over. Then you can turn on that street and go home and get my pajamas."
Honey, I don't have time to go back home and get you some pajamas. We're already running late.
"Well, call my daddy and he will bring me some pajamas to my daycare."
Daddy can't bring you pajamas, honey. His work is too far away from your daycare.
"Well, call Grandpa Ronnie then."
Gavin, Grandpa Ronnie lives far away.
"But I have to have pajamas."
I know, sweetie. I'll figure it out.
So, this is the part where I feel like Worst Mom Ever because, once again, I forgot about something for school. But, honestly people, you can't just put a poster on the wall. I need a note home - a calendar - something I can hang on the fridge that I can check on an hourly basis to make sure I'm not FORGETTING ABOUT PAJAMA DAY AND THOROUGHLY DISAPPOINTING MY CHILD.
But, the good news is that I figured it out - even though I only got to work with 2 minutes to spare. I decided to stop at Meijer and buy him some new pajamas. I explained to him that we had to be fast, and I'm pretty sure we were in and out with pajamas in hand in under 6 minutes. And, Gavin was thrilled.
Seriously though, do you think it would be out of line if I asked preschool for email reminders or text message reminders???
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Man, do I remember these days! My kids had to wear uniforms but once a month they had "Free Dress." I always used to forget when it was. ALWAYS. They would get to school and see everyone else skipping through the halls in jeans and run straight for the office to call me crying. I also loathed "Spirit Week" which consisted of a new theme every day for a week. With three kids and all that theme staring me in the face I thought I was going to lose it! In a time of instant communication, I say ask Gavin's teacher to shoot you a reminder. She might bristle, but it's worth a try. BTW, nice move pulling over for pj's!
ReplyDeleteI don't think it would be bad at all. Preschool gives us a monthly calendar, and we STILL forget things. The number one thing we're terrified of forgetting is snack when it's our day. Apparently, toddlers don't take too kindly to being without snack. Go figure.
ReplyDeleteWe're in the 21st century and none of us have enough time to do all the things we do...a text, or email reminder is definitely not out of the question!
ReplyDeleteEvery time I visit your blog, I feel much better that I'm not the only one dealing with these issues. Not that I want anyone else to be going crazy. It's just comforting to know that our kids, as nutso as they can seem sometimes and as looney toons they can drive us, are normal. And they do know everything. Just an FYI.
ReplyDeleteMy son's children's day out program does email reminders,sends notes home in a folder and prints a monthly calendar of events. I bet you're not the only parent at your son's daycare to forget something like this, and I'd hope they'd be willing to give parents better reminders.
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