Parents to a 'School Going Kid'

Ok, pre-school kid to be more precise.

This post is much delayed... but as they say: better late than never

(On a completely separate note, I should start blogging often, else I will continue to use cheesy line like above)

Anyhoo.. If you have followed my scarce writing the last couple of months, miss V is now in her big-girl school a.k.a Pre-Reception (LKG/ Pre-K in other parts of the world) Bottom line, bye bye day care (And the comforts of afternoon nap, wear what you want and complete working mom's scheduling love) and welcome School (Strict drop off/ pick up times, ironing uniforms, link books and school projects)

Ok, I am being too lop sided. Let me rephrase, Welcome to the big girl school and big kid parenting (Yes V is still under 4, but by her standards she is a big girl now!) Like everything for me, this is new!

Being parents to a school going kid.

Wow. Our weekdays are pretty standard, V wakes us up, pulls me in the rest room to help her brush her teeth. Then she claims 'I am smelly and need a shower' After that, its less push from her and more pull from me:

'V are you done with bath?' 'V change into uniform... yes the PT one. Today is Thursday' 'V lets come for breakfast, jaldi jaldi' 'V are you done now?' 'V, the bread butter is yummmy, yes mummy is eating it as well' 'V have you worn your shoes?' 'Yes, V mummy has packed your snacks and juice..oh sorry smoothie for school' 'Yes V, mummy will be ready in a minute as well' 'V ready, lets go!' 'V you should have gone pee pee before being all packed up for school.. yes I will wait' and phew... :-)

--- No, I am not a ring master.... just in my mind, I am like 'come on, every morning I need to go over this'!

Next, we chit chat while walking to school answering questions, listening, nodding, smiling. I kiss her cute yummy cheeks bye and then use the power of flats and run to the tube to get in my train. Work awaits.

Right now, I have IL's visiting; so thankfully, they do the pickup runs at three. Yes, the big girl school is from 8:30 - 3:00 period. And that’s the norm here in London. Luckily for me, the school has after hour programs and might help next semester to meet my work schedules and keep her entertained et al. From what I gather, not all London schools (read: public and most private) have after school programs for such young kids. Its more, nanny culture than after school culture.

Read: Additional expenses.

I have met so many wonderful school kids-parents who swear by the nannies to run the evening pick up round! I have started looking for one now. I imagine a wonderful nanny who picks up V, they snack and then takes V to the park or do some wonderful activity at home. I come home from work greeted by a well-played and fed, cheery V. All I need to do is read, play, practice, enjoy, cuddle, smother and smile. I digress.

Back to reality, so this being parent of a pre-school kid is exhausting. Her social life is busier than mine. Her list of questions and answers gets longer than my shopping list. Her quest for newer projects every hour is challenging and above all, I am tired. Yes, I love every minute of it, but as kids gets older, I was told it gets easier. I agree, but it didn’t say it gets more exhausting.

I miss little V. Give her a plastic glass and some rattles. She was happy for hours, napping in between.

But yeah the power of reasoning rocks with kids! I can actually explain a concept, a rule, a pattern and she gets it. Her questioning is downright honest. I am often at loss for words, need to brush up my geography, botany, chemistry all again to answer her truthfully. My brother often tells me 'Dont let her inquisitiveness go away. Let her ask away and you respond correctly'

I do that, a lot. I check myself if I am about to say 'Because it just is' I think, and simplify and explain her.

The standard interview question: 'Explain the concept like you would to a child' I get it now, its tough since you need to break it up, simplify it and in turn ensure it reaches the right audience.

Summing it up, being parent of a 'school aged kid' is the gradual next step. Fun, tiring and is making me learn and relearn a lot of, simple facts.

What are your big kid parenting guides?