So after more than three weeks of mini-hell, we walked the kids back into their old school today. They were greeted like heroes coming back from the war. The only thing missing was the swell of orchestral music in the background.
We’re picky when it comes to school. Like, super, uber picky. If I weren’t such a selfish, impatient person, I’d probably home school the kids because I’m such an egomaniac that I’m convinced I could do a much better job than anyone else. Of course the kids would also be dead, but that’s beside the point.
Last year, we were feeling less that thrilled with school, so when a new option presented itself, we jumped and enrolled the kids. At first, it sounded too good to be true (probably red flag number one). But here’s where we made our biggest mistake: you know that feeling you get when something’s not exactly right? Like when the timeshare salesman or car dealer makes you feel like you’re the one who’s crazy and everyone else has been “just fine” with it? Yeah. . .
It took a little while for us to admit to ourselves that we’d screwed up (not an easy thing when you’re totally awesome and perfect when it comes to dealing with your kids’ education), but by the time we had, our old school was — wait for it — full.
So we’ve been in a strange holding pattern until they could fit us in, but today was the day. I’m not sure who gushed the most when we walked in the door — Elfie or me (the guys don’t gush, that’s not cool).
And seriously, Elfie was mobbed by her friends when she walked into her class. Her teacher almost cried. We almost cried. And when she came running after us to hug us goodbye, I swear there was a look of pure gratitude in her eyes.
I suppose this will be known as the year we had two first days of school. And as the year the parents totally effed-up everything with their fantastical ideas. But hopefully it’ll also be the year we all learned,”The enemy of good is perfect,” is more than just a saying.
After all, getting smarter is what’s supposed to happen when you go to school.
Tammy Soong is a writer, wife, and mom from Reno, Nevada. She takes an absurd amount of pain medication, but not enough to have actually named her children "Newt" and "Elfie." She spends most days stressing out over clutter, writing stuff for this place, and working on podcasts with her gal pals, the Blogging Betties.
I always say I do not homeschool for one reason and one reason only…”I love my kids and I want to continue to love them.” Best luck to everyone on round two of the beginning of school.
I know that greater humans have done it and survived. But I don’t think I’m in their ranks.
Wow. I’d love to hear the inside story of this one–as a relative AND a teacher (albeit of a totally different age group).
It’s a loooong story.
Glad you made it home. Saw Tenzin in the parking lot (and couldnt remember hit real name!) and got the scoop. We are in Ruby and ecstatic. See you in the Friends meetings 🙂
Now THAT is funny.
I keep trying to wave to you at pick-up.
I am glad you are back where you belong, because I’m totally selfish like that! Whose class is the boy in?
I homeschooled my oldest until I had to go back to work, and I still think that was the best – although my youngest, as you may know, is very very stubborn. It could have ended in a DeathMatch. (And my oldest still says ‘Why were we reading Pilgrim’s Progress and The Tempest in the first grade?’ because I am insane, that’s why.)
You are definitely insane. But that’s why your boys are doing so well.
The grass isn’t always greener, but we all have to learn it the hard way sometimes. Glad you are back home. xoxo
Damn learning. I thought we got to stop that at some point.
Best of luck to your family! I am sorry we weren’t a good fit for you.
Thanks Andi. Good luck to you guys, too.
So, so glad you made it back…hope it feels right….at least this week!
So far so good. Fingers crossed!