Help! Should Peter skip kindergarten?

[noopsmama]

So I went to kindergarten registration and it was about what I expected. Peter had a one-on-one testing thing where they asked him to identify pictures and draw a picture of himself

Comments

[bitchiekittie]

hahahaha! kids come up with the most awesome stuff.

the skipping thing is hard. I think it serves as an adjustment period more than anything else, which is obviously important.

as for the bullying stuff, I was really scared for echo, because I was a total nerd in elementary and middle school, didn't have any friends because I moved a lot and was more or less a loner anyway, and I got picked on a lot. it really hurt my self esteem in a big way, and it terrified me to think of my baby going through that! especially when she first went into middle school.

but I have always talked to her about the effects of bullying others and standing up for yourself AND for others who are being bullied. I've always taught her what to do in various scenarios, if a grownup or another kid scared her or hurt her in some way. it seems my fears were groundless - since she started 6th grade last year, she's stopped fist fights, chased bullies away from their victims, ensured victims got home safely (much to one boy's embarrassed chagrin), chastised several students (in class and out) for making rude comments about "gay" and "retarded", and has told more than one over aggressive boy to piss off. sure, she's more than a little gung ho over it, goes overboard, and will at some point likely get in trouble for her acid tongue. BUT I'm confident she'll never be anyone's victim, not ever, in her whole life (knock on wood). don't underestimate those pep talks you give to your babies and the confidence earned from being prepared for any scenario!

[noopsmama]

You should be really proud to have raised a girl with her head on so straight. I know that Pete has had lectures about being kind, and patient, and sensitive to others, but I catch crap from other more testosterone-y members of the family unit that I will make him soft. Which is utterly ridiculous, though Matt at 2 has been known to beat the tar out of his big brother who doesn't fight back.

It's funny how gender roles get mixed up with stuff, because what you describe Echo doing is exactly what I would want Pete to have the stones to do. Basically all our kids need to be nurtured to know who they are, what their basic rights are, as well as those of others, and how to stand up for themselves. At the core its about security. THe "secure" child thing has been overdone perhaps, but I think it is dead on that our kids are stronger when they don't have any doubts about their fundamental value.

You get a good mommy gold star for the day, and who can't use one of those?

[bitchiekittie]

aw, thanks. I think the big thing to remember is that being aware of and proactive about discussing the problems that our kids are facing or WILL one day face makes a big difference. people just don't talk to their kids about this stuff until after it's an issue, and that's not helpful. the fact that you're asking about it now, hoping for these sort of attributes while they're still so little, is the best start, in my opinion! smart mommas make smart kiddos!