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Notes To My Son – And So It Begins…

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First day of school

I originally wrote this post last year, when Will was headed off to JK. In a few days, he heads back for full-day kindergarten. The real deal. He has an amazing teacher lined up and I’m so excited for him to get learning (and for us to get into routine). I wanted to revisit my list to see if I wanted to add anything but nope all good. Maybe just ‘for godsakes, listen to your mother. She may seem crazy but she’s actually fairly smart. Even if, according to you, Auntie is the one who knows everything. Other than that. The list stands. Thought you may enjoy it.

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Nancy and I are at the polar ends of our school journeys with our kids (yet close in age…how the hell does that happen). While she sent her daughter off to university yesterday with some notes, this Friday, Will starts his school career in Ms. Dhillon’s JK class. Over the weekend, I’ve been thinking of some things that I learned over the course of my 17 year career and what I want him to know as he starts this trip.

1. Be kind to everyone. You can still be popular and not be an asswipe. Your mother was once the kid who dreaded lunch and sat by the lawn bowling club wishing an enormous crater would hit the earth and swallow her up in it. A year later, when she had friends, she would go by there sometimes just to make sure no one else was waiting for the crater. Be that guy.
2. Don’t pick your nose and eat it in the library in third grade. People will see you and you will be mocked.
3. Pay attention in math and science. When you say ‘but I can’t use this for anything in real life, ‘ your mother will say two words to you – Med School.
4. Making out with the rookie line up of say…the girls volleyball team, won’t make you popular or find you a girlfriend. It’ll just make you a slut and a slut with very low self esteem.
5. Be nice to your teachers. If you don’t particularly like one, suck it up, it’s for one year. And you will have teachers who inspire you and who you always remember – (I’m talking to you Mrs. Appleton; Ms. Farncomb; Mr. Wilcox and Mr. Tugwell).
6. Think about what you like to do and pursue it. A major in partying and a minor in sleeping will only get you so far.
7. Allow me to reiterate point #2. It’s very important – keep your finger out of your nose.
8. Get involved. Play sports or music or join clubs. Be part of your school.
9. Treat girls with respect. Even if your friends aren’t. They will remember.
10. Try to be a leader sometimes. That doesn’t mean bossing people around. It just means to stand up for yourself and not follow the direction of others 100% of the time.
11.  If you order lemon gin at the LCBO, you will get carded. And for godsakes, just call your mother and she’ll come and get you.
Essentially my boy, just enjoy it. Learn something. Make friends. But know this. Your school career may last the next 20 years (I’m not sure how long the degree program in circus performing is – if that’s what you still want to do, we’ll check into it later) but that is a FRACTION of your life. So while it may seem like your life is over because you a. got your heart broken b. didn’t make the starting line of the basketball team c. failed a test or d. didn’t get invited to that party….. it won’t matter when you’re 30.  or 50.  or 75.  or 80. So breathe deeply.  Hold your head up. Be kind.  And learn how to make your own lunch.
I’m so excited for you Will.
What advice are you sending your kids off to school with this year??

Comments

  1. Sara says

    My heart! How amazing that you got to read this. I truly hope that Will is blessed with elementary school teachers like I was. Masonville was a magical spot.

  3. Fran & Barrie Wilcox says

    What a wonderful surprise to our day, Sara – thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
    It’s very special to know that we made a difference in your life- that is just what teachers wish to do.
    We remember you with great fondness and wish that you hadn’t had to move away from Masonville.
    Your Will is a very lucky boy to have you as his mother- your advice will stand him in good stead throughout his life.

  4. Kath says

    What great advice. Especially the line, “you can still be popular and not be an asswipe”. Will is definitely in good hands, Sara, as long as he listens to his wise Mommy!