I’ll take a dip into the shallow end and just go ahead and admit that along with worrying about how E.B. would adapt to preschool, I also worried whether he would make friends. I know, right? In preschool. But let’s be honest; the thought of your own child quietly sitting by on the playground watching the others play breaks your heart, right? I was never a big joiner growing up in elementary school and I’ll admit that my own memories fueled these fears for E.B. Several of his classmates were already familiar with one another from previous preschool and nursery experience and I wondered if there was room enough in their little worlds for new friends. I know….in preschool. I’m clearly neurotic in that way.
I was reading an article recently about praying for your children and something in it really resonated with me…praying for your child to just have at least ONE good Christian friend. A simple concept, yet it dawned on me how very true that was indeed. A friend and I were recently discussing how amazing it was that throughout high school our little group of friends never drank, smoked, or did anything considered “bad” and we never pressured one another to do so. I think the worst offense we committed was rolling yards and that’s pretty tame by today’s standards. But these Christain friends of mine? They’re my friends for life, despite the miles and sometimes slack communication because life gets so busy.
That’s all I want for E.B. And a few days later when I dropped him off at school, one little guy ran up to him and said, “Come on, E.B.!!! Let’s play!!” And I immediately felt better. Even moreso when while saying our prayers the following night E.B. began naming off his classmates. He has friends. And while I know that through the years these little relationships will wax and wane, it’s enough for now.
My son only had one person from his kindergarten class in his first grade class this year. I spent the whole first week a nervous wreck that he didnt have any friends with him! It bothered me more than it bothered him.
Don’t forget to enjoy this time too. My preschool started 8th grade this year and I swear it was just yesterday I had the same day you had.
Don’t forget to enjoy this time too. My preschool started 8th grade this year and I swear it was just yesterday I had the same day you had.
Don’t forget to enjoy this time too. My preschool started 8th grade this year and I swear it was just yesterday I had the same day you had.
*reaches for a tissue*
This is an absolutely wonderful post. My little girl is only 15 months old, but I’m going to start praying with my hubby for a GOOD solid Christian friend for her.
LOVED this post!
~melody~
Amen.
This totally resonates with me. I love this post.
I think you were totally founded in your worries. I will admit that I worried about the same especially when my boys switched schools. We were a bit proactive on that though… we made sure to invite one child out of each of the boys’ classes over for a “play date” one week before school started.
First day of school came and they both went right in and have made friends rapidly. Thank goodness.
I worried about my daughter going to preschool too and being all alone. I agree, the thought of her sitting all by her lonesome watching the other kids play just broke my heart! When I dropped her off this morning she was a little hesitant to go in (this is her 2nd week) but right away one little girl ran up and asked her to help her do a puzzle! I was so relieved.
Awww, sweet post! Oh how I do try to keep up with my 2 friends in the Delta:) HUGGGGGS!! Speaking of slacking, your present is sitting on my desk at home. *sigh* Some day you will get it and when you do, you will laugh your shell off!!:) Did I email you about Octoberfest:?
You’re doing great, mom, and he’ll be just fine!
Beautiful post, and so very true! My children started new schools in a new state because of the military and that was my wish, to find one good pseudo-bestest friend. I’m happy to say that they’ve integrated nicely, with friendS plural 🙂 EB will too 🙂
What a wonderful post. Your worries…totally normal mama!
You brought back a wonderful memories of my friend Heidi. I have known her since Kindergarten and she is still my best friend to this day. She was my Christian friend in school. In high school, I did a lot of not-so-great things. She never judged me, was always there for me and was never ashamed to be my friend. Her love was, and still is, strong for me!!
How great that E.B. was praying for all his new little friends. I’m sure he will find those friends someday that mean as much to him, as ours do to us!