My children start school Friday. This is not a big transition year for us, as we have 'redshirted' them. This means that although they turned 5 this Summer, they will just be in the Montessori equivalent of pre-K. Their classrooms will all be the same and 2/3 of their classmates will be familiar--even the length of their school day remains unchanged.
And still, it is an opportunity for new beginnings. So, I decided to write a few resolutions:
1- I will not allow other people's guilt trips to talk me into taking on projects and roles that I am not led to do. On the flip side, I will not judge other people's levels of involvement in various things. I will respect that different people have different passions--and everyone's definition of 'full plate' differs depending on their situation.
2- I will cook dinner (not a kid meal, but a real meal that my husband and I can eat with them) at least three times a week. For the record, this will be the most daunting task. And, yes, I have made this resolution before. Furthermore, I will do so joyfully...even when I am cleaning up the kitchen. :-)
3- I will snap less and smile more. Deep breaths and a half second pause before responding will become my friend. I want my children to look back on their childhood and know that they were not just tolerated, they were cherished as sources of great joy. (This is especially on my heart at this point in the Summer when we are all tired and really in need of some structure. My love is still deep, but whew, my patience is thin.)
4- I will rise before my children each school day, even if it is just 5-10 minutes, so I am ready to receive them with joy. I will use these dark, quiet moments to prepare my coffee, but more importantly, to prepare my heart.
5- When I break the above stated resolutions, I will thankfully and humbly receive God's grace and remember the requirements outlined in Micah 6:8.
"He's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women.
It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don't take yourself too seriously— take God seriously. (The Message)
17 comments:
Amen- and you'll be eternally grateful you "redshirted" them- my kids have August and September b-days- they started when they were 6- it pays off when they get to be
7th graders and the development issues begin (used to teach 7th graders- now I teach 9th and 12th graders!) Good luck this year!
I am on the brink of my own "new school year's eve," although this time things will be a little different... I'll be the teacher!
In three very short months I've made the challenging transition from CLEMSON senior to second grade teacher in a low-income school.
Let me tell you, of everything I learned about teaching this summer (and it was a LOT!), one thing that stuck out to me was just HOW important, and often neglected, pre-k is in a child's education.
GOOD FOR YOU for giving them such a jump start on education! Another year of pre-k may not seem terribly monumental, but the impact on their learning will be! :)
Love them. I might have to adopt them. My son will turn 6 the day he starts kindergarten in 10 days. I am so so glad we held him back. I'd never heard the phrase "red-shirted".
I'm a teacher. . . and can notice a difference in some kids that have the advantage of being one year older. . . especially developmentally. I have a daughter who just turned one in July and I'm already wondering what I will do when she is kindergarten age.
And. . . the middle school I teach in has adopted Micah 6:8 as our theme for the year. Great verse. . . love mercy, act justly, walk humbly. We all need to walk in this direction.
Thanks for sharing your resolutions. :)
No way! I am heavily involved in my church and at-risk youth, it is my passion!
2 things that hit me square in the face. First was your comment about not judging others, that their full plate might not be mine. I have really struggled with that today after a disappointing turn out to a prayer evening I put many hours into planning and organising. Everyone was so supportive of it wanting to happen and then they didn't come! I didn't mind the work and I wasn't worried about myself but I took offence on behalf of God. Silly but true.
Second was the verse from Micah 6:8. Seriously, every single time I pull off some big event that goes well or not so well (as was the case of last night) this verse comes up. It's a humbling and relieving reminder that God is more interesting in my relationship with Him not what I do for Him.
Sorry that's a long comment but I just had to share with someone.
As a first grade teacher, I wish there were more parents like you who are willing to "redshirt" instead of pushing their children ahead at all cost. I have found that your plan allows children to get stronger for the next year (as opposed to running as fast as they can to just keep up, as is the case in some summer birthdays.)
Hope the beginning of school is a blast and a blessing to all 5 of you!
i love your idea of school year resolutions! I am going to be thinking about mine...
and yes, I agree, good plan to let the kids grow one more year... my son has definitely benefitted from the same plan!
Amen to all of that! Especially snapping less and waking earlier. I think waking earlier will prevent the snapping! ;-)
Nicole
this post was meant for me to read today!
God Bless:D
Great post. I think I'll print and hang up these resolutions on my fridge for myself. Resolutions I think about all the time and should do better about living them.
About "red-shirting" (a term I had never heard either) I really wish I could go back and do that for M (my oldest) b/c it's been a struggle every year since about 2nd grade. (fourth this year) She is really young to be in the fourth grade..she won't be nine until next week. It's the best all the way around!
Although my "children" are grown (one married with a child) your resolutions will be tacked on my fridge anyway. Your ideas are applicable to any family and is more than apt to improve my day and the day for anyone with whom I come in contact.
Thanks for sharing your heart's desires........
Once again, I am convicted and moved to reflection by one of your posts. My heart has been heavy with the worry that my kids feel (barely) tolerated. It has been a long summer - a good one mostly - but we are definitely off these last few days. Thank you for sharing your joy as well as your struggles here. And thank you for reminding us (me) of the bigger picture - the grace that none are deserving of but all are given freely.
Excellent. I am with you on each one of your points, though my children are just 3 and almost
2.
Amy@balmingilead.typepad.com
This verse is going in the frame right now. I think I may move it to the kitchen sink though.
This verse is going in the frame right now. I think I may move it to the kitchen sink though.
"tolerated"-that is exactly the feeling i have been worried about lately but couldn't put my finger on it. i think it happens to the best of us this time of year! i am going to try really hard to make this last summer week feel different.
the kids are a joy to watch as you tell their stories!
THANK you so much! I needed this post!
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