Happy Fatherhood Friday everyone! Thanks, dad-blogs.com.
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Dear Big Brother,
I can't believe you're starting pre-school on Monday. (And sometime, neither can you, as you often protest this abstract idea.) I admit to feeling just a little old from the thought that I now officially have a "school-aged" child.
We've enjoyed reading some books with you about starting school, including those starring Clifford and Wow-Wow-Wubzy, as well as a cool book from the library called "Kingergarten rocks."
Change is initially hard for you, but I'm confident that you'll quickly adjust to and thrive in this new experience (especially based on your excitement at orientation).
Your natural curiosity for learning, your enthusiasm, and your friendly disposition (somewhere between sweet and goober-head) will make you appreciated by new teachers and friends alike. I can't wait for that process to unfold as you make new friends.
Your memory is detailed and razor-sharp. I'm amazed at how you can recite so many passages from books as we read together, amongst other things.
You're already learning how to write your name (in capital letters and lower-case, too). Mom-E and I are also very impressed with your artistic skills. You love to draw, whether it's crayon or sidewalk chalk.
I can't wait for you to learn how to read. It will be exciting to watch as this catches on. As you read, it will open up many more doors in your curious little head. No doubt, you will start to read obsessively about things that interest you.
It's amazing to think that in 14 more short years you'll be heading off to college.
These things below will become more clear in the future (no doubt I'll want you to read this many years down the road), but I want to write them down now, as you officially embark on your school years.
1. Nobody expects you to be perfect. If you give your best effort, you have no reason to hang your head, no matter the outcome.
2. Learn how to write well, and hone your problem-solving skills. The real world is not multiple choice.
3. Find subjects that interest you and that elicit your passion, and explore them in depth. Study what you love, and your career will flow from there. Neither Mom-E or I expect nor want you to become an "X", "Y", or "Z".
4. You'll never stop learning.
We love you and we're very proud of the big boy you're becoming,
Busy-Dad-E
Posts
This is great! I am taking little cousin to day care for the first time on Monday...so both of our children will be doing something very new. Best of luck to BIg Brother as he begins a new phase in his life! Love Aunt-E
ReplyDeletenone of my kids ever went to preschool tho i think they probably would have loved the early interaction w other kids and learning. this was a great letter to big brother, and i got a feeling he's gonna do well in preschool despite his protests :)
ReplyDeleteOh, he is growing up too fast. I don't even want to think of Kaitlyn starting Kindergarden; we don't know yet if she will attend preschool or not at this point. But I am sure when she does I will be crying after I see her leave for the first time. Rosi
ReplyDeleteThanks for this - our oldest is just about to start pre-school too! Where does the time go?
ReplyDeleteYour comment about 14 years to college scares me!
Thanks
Mark
Super list. I am with you 100% on the problem solving skills. I think that is one of the best things any kid can learn. No matter how long you go to school they can never teach you everything. The ability to appaise the situation and then think for yourself is invaluable.
ReplyDeleteMan, they grow up fast, don't they? Just seemed like yesterday that my 2nd grader was starting Kindergarten. Now all the K's look so SMALL.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to Big Brother. Kindergarten does rock! and he will do just fine.
ReplyDeleteBig Brother will do great in Kindergarten, especially with you and Mom-E cheering him on. I love your list!
ReplyDeleteMy former kindergartener is now 18 and heading off to college in five short days. You are so right, it passes by so quickly. I have a feeling though, you will treasure every passing year.
Good luck to Big Brother!
I too love your list. Excellent advice. Big brother will love school and I know he will do well. Love you Big Brother! Grammy
ReplyDelete