I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, but I have a lot of friends with children in kindergarten this year. I would say it is around 20 or so people. So, what is the #1 worry of kindergarten moms, from my unscientific research I have gathered? Take a moment to guess…
Learning ABC’s? Sure. Behaving in class? Yes. However, top of the list—making friends. I never imagined I would be so neurotic about it. “Who did you sit with at lunch? Who did you play with on the playground?” A good number of moms have expressed our concern that our kids played by themselves the first day or two. Guess what- they were probably perfectly happy doing so! Maybe it’s because from this point on I’ve taken a roll in the friend making—meeting the other parents, setting up play dates. Sure, friends were made a day care too, but again, I sent her there. She’s really out there, on her own. Will she find someone to like? Will someone like her?
I think it stems from the desire to fit in, and the desire to have your children fit in too. Sure, they will learn. I don’t think any of us doubt that. Making friends is a life skill that will be invaluable, and one we all hope that our children exceed at. The value of friendship for coping, support, and encouragement makes school, and life, fuller. Hopefully our kindergartners receiving a smiley face stamp for that lesson.
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