As the World Turns

In the pile of Saturday's mail were our Ravenscroft re-enrollment agreements for the 2009-10 school year. It's funny because even though I know my kids are doing fine in school, I always feel an odd sense of pride and relief when I get that letter saying "we still want your kids."

And I've heard other parents say the same. It's like we need to be reassured that our kids are actually as great as we think they are.

As I flipped through the agreements, my mouth dropped open when I looked at LJ's. There, typed in bold ink, were the words "3rd grade."

Somehow, seeing that on a formal document just took the wind out of me. Third grade just sounds so old. So grown up.

Then, after I got over the shock, I experienced a moment of panic.

I remember from my experiences as a babysitter and a big sister that the first day of third grade marks the exact moment at which your child become smarter, funnier, and more worldly than than you.

Or so they think.

It's like third grade is the tidal wave and I am the shore. I can see it coming, but I am powerless to stop it.

On Aug. 19, 2009, the first day of third grade, LJ will embark on an era of bossiness and know-it-all superiority that can only be surpassed by me.

Yes, it's true. I gave my third-grade teacher at Ravenscroft, Mrs. Bobbitt, a run for her money.

Although I challenged Mrs. Bobbitt unmercifully throughout that school year, the time I remember most vividly is when I stayed home sick on a Monday.

When I returned the next day and we were in "circle time" reviewing the calendar, Mrs. Bobbitt marked off Tuesday.

I promptly raised my hand and confidently stated: "Mrs. Bobbitt, today is Monday, not Tuesday. You marked off the wrong day."

"No, Penny. Today is Tuesday. This is correct."

"No, Mrs. Bobbitt. You are wrong. Today is Monday."

"No, Penny. Today is Tuesday. And just because you missed a day of school doesn't mean the world stopped for you."

Whoa.

In front of my friends, Mrs. Bobbitt had put me properly back in my place. And rightly so.

Her words obviously had an impact on me as they have stayed with me to this day.

So here I am as a parent, 25 years later, with LJ racing full speed ahead toward third grade ... and I'm tiptoeing on eggshells. Of course, in my heart, I know that LJ will do just fine.

The mere fact that he has never been wrong will serve him well as he navigates the sometimes choppy waters of third grade.

I can only hope that if -- on the off chance -- LJ ever gets out of line as a third-grader, he will be lucky enough to have a teacher like Mrs. Bobbitt. One to remind him that things are not always what they seem.

The world will not, in fact, stop spinning on its axis just for LJ ... it's merely the sun, moon, and stars that shine because of him.


First day of Kindergarten (2006). Where does the time go?



















Julianna's first day of pre-Kindergarten at Ravenscroft. She stayed home sick.