Field Trip Jitters
About two and a half weeks ago, my son started kindergarten. Other than being really tired and ready to eat 14 pounds of snacks after long school days, he’s adjusting really well and seems to be enjoying his newest independent venture. Such a relief!
Next week, his class is already taking its first field trip to a beautiful farm about 25 minutes away. I volunteered to chaperone, and found out Wednesday that my name had been drawn from a hat to join in the fun.Cool, right?
Well, during the past couple of days, I’ve been thinking about this field trip a ton. I’m not gonna lie. I’m a wee bit nervous about it.
For instance…
1. Will I want a barf bag? I didn’t really think about it before, but I now realize I will be riding a bumpy school bus for 20 miles with a bunch of super-charged little kids. I get pretty horrible motion sickness in any moving vehicle unless I’m doing the driving. So, that will be a shit show pretty awesome. Luckily, I look OK in green.
I have not been on one of these things in decades.
2. How am I going to do this? I will likely be charged with keeping track of four to five kids during this outing. Some days in my own life, it’s a challenge to keep track of two kids — and they’re mine. What if these little humans don’t listen to me? Or what if I get the little hellion of the class? There’s always one, right? Will they be issuing tasers to the adults in charge, just in case?
Obviously, I’m kidding. I would never taser a child.
3. What if I cramp my son’s style? My little guy has such a big personality, but he’s pretty shy and quiet in large groups. Especially now, since he hasn’t had enough time to make any super-best-friends yet. Will he want to hang out with me the whole time, instead of having this experience with his classmates? Trust me, I would be flattered and enjoy every second of it. But I am happy to just sit back and see him do his thing, too. Go pick your apples, buddy. Run around like The Flash, and pick out an awesome pumpkin on which we can carve the Batman symbol at home. I’ll do it with you if you want, but don’t be afraid to find someone who can run faster and jump higher.
Keeping doctors away since the beginning of time.
4. On the other hand, what if he wants nothing to do with me? I know, I know. I can’t have it both ways. But, still. I don’t think he’s yet old enough to be embarrassed by me, but I’d sure hate for that to be the case when he’s still getting to know new classmates. (ie: See Item No. 1, above.) I’d like to save up embarrassing him for the first girl he brings that I don’t like. Just kidding. Or am I? Heh heh heh.
Anyway, I guess that means I shouldn’t call him any gooey mom pet names, or break out the centipede in the middle of the pumpkin patch.
Yes, I do realize I’m over-thinking this whole thing. It’s just that kindergarten is the first big step to him having his own little life outside of our family. And this will be my first time to catch a tiny glimpse of it.
I’m super excited. Tuesday is the big day! Wish me luck.
The Wild Rumpus 
What’s with the Tonka truck school bus picture? Also, I can’t believe you just posted an informational video on how to do the centipede. FYI….Emma’s birthday was on the Thursday of her first week of school. It was right at the tail end of the, crying everyday before getting super excited about getting on the bus and going to school, phase. I thought about going to eat lunch with her on her Birthday in the Cafeteria. All the same things ran through my mind and I decided not to go. Going to sit with her at lunch right when she is making friends and trying to find her way seemed like a bad idea. I’m glad i didn’t. A field trip is different as there has to be volunteers, so you get to see whats going on without embarrassing him. Have fun and keep us posted.
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I know, Joli! It’s so hard when we want to still be with them so much, but also know they need to forge ahead without us. I hope it’s getting easier for you and you’re able to enjoy your time with S, even as you miss E. 🙂
Field trip was a blast, but so incredibly exhausting. It was like herding kittens. I don’t know how kindergarten teachers do it every single day, but they rock.
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