Just because Kirsten asked.

Halfway through the 2007 school year, we took Elly out of public school and taught her at home. She was having a really difficult time not being with me, although academically she was doing very well. Her separation anxiety manifested in a record number of stomach aches and “Mom, do I have a fever?” as the bus arrived at our driveway.

Darren and I went to great lengths to determine if there was a problem on the bus or with her teachers but our inquiries turned up nothing. She just wanted to “be with Mom”.

I wanted to be sensitive to her desire since the older kids had the benefit of homeschooling until they were older than Elly, and she always expressed the idea that she had somehow missed out on the circus-like fun of being taught at home.

This year we gave Elly the choice to go back to public school . Each time we broached the subject she would reply, “You guys are the parents. You decide.”

I began to suspect that she was worried that MY feelings would be hurt if she admitted she was ready to go back. She and I had alot of fun being alone together during the day. People tend to bond while singing multiplication facts karaoke-style.

When I informed Elly that I had made the decision that she was ready to return to public school, she was visibly relieved.

This morning, however, she seemed to get a little iffy about the whole thing. I reminded her that I would see her at school because I was covering the event for the paper. I kissed her goodbye and watched her shuffle to the bus stop.

I was at school, waiting, as she arrived and I watched as she found her friends on the playground. It was only after seeing this did I breathe a sigh of relief:

She’ll get by with a little help from her friends.

2008 First Day of School

2007 First Day of School

Notice the joy on Kevin’s face as they headed out to the bus this morning.

On the other hand, I had a HUGE smile because chances are good that my refrigerator door will not be opened for the next eight hours.