We’ve got 3 school parties before the schools shut down for winter break (which is surprising as I only have 2 kids!) My son, age 10, has his party in 5th grade on Friday. My daughter, age 7, had two parties in her 1st grade class. One was on Thursday afternoon and one is all day Friday. The kids are hanging out in their pajamas to listen to stories and watch movies.
My daughter asked if I was coming to either of her parties. Hmm. I work on Thursdays so that 2pm party sort of puts a cramp in that whole job thing. And while I usually volunteer in her class on Fridays, my day off, I’m not necessarily a big fan of loud, raucous parties where children gorge themselves on sugar while me and all the other parents line the walls wondering how we got there.
Nonetheless, I decided I can go in for a bit in the afternoon and my daughter is thrilled.
Which brings me to my son. Last year when he was in 4th grade I realized I had reached the end of the line in terms of attending his class parties. I made special arrangements to be there for his Halloween party only to have him ignore me and not seem to care that I was there. My little baby had grown up.
So I didn’t even think he wanted me to attend any of his parties in 5th grade.
Except he started asking me this week if I would come.
Wow. Really?
Yes, he REALLY wanted me to come.
I started to get excited. Maybe I’m not uncool, yet! Maybe he’ll introduce me to all his friends! Maybe me and my new BFF, his teacher, will lead the class in some games!
The only thing I worried about was when was his party. After all, I had already promised to be there in the afternoon for a bit of his sister’s party.
He didn’t know when the party was happening (men! even little men!). I tore through piles of his crap looking for that holiday party announcement. Wa lah! I found it and read that his class party was from 11am-1pm.
I could come!
I told him the news.
He didn’t smile.
I repeated the news that it was between 11 and 1 and what time did he want me to stop by before I headed over to his sister’s party?
“I kinda have a confession to make,” he said calmly, staring into my eyes. “I thought the party would be at the end of the day. I only wanted you to come so you could pick me up early.”
I stared back into his eyes. And then I smiled. And then I laughed. I WAS right after all. He had outgrown his mom coming to his class parties.
Maybe his Valentine’s Day party will be right before the school day ends. And maybe I’ll get invited.
How about you? Any holiday parties in school or elsewhere that you still have on your agenda?
Image courtesy of Feelart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
You are an amazing mom! The thought of not being cool enough to go to school parties with my kids kinda crushes my soul at this point. I’m sure, as they grow, I’ll be able to accept it without too much of a problem. YOU, however, seem like you were able to take it all in stride and were do understanding. That is awesome! I hope I can be that cool about things here in a few years 🙂
Rhonda recently posted…The Ordinary Douchebags
Awww, Rhonda, thank you for your kind, kind comment! You made me feel great.
There have been signs and hints since last year that he is growing up/growing away 🙁 so it’s been a gradual process I’ve been taking in.
I will be hanging on with my daughter as long as possible, though!! Poor thing will probably still have me lingering at her high school shindigs. 🙂
Katy @ Experienced Bad Mom recently posted…The Truth about School Holiday Parties
Awwwwwww! I think I’d cry, LOL, you handled it so well. I guess it’s a natural process but dang it, we’re so used to BEING there, everywhere, for them. Darn nature!
Stephanie recently posted…Truth Chasers Club: Child Evangelism Fellowship
HA! Classic!!! My girl is a fifth grader and girls I think are a bit better at this- for longer. I know soon I will be an alien to her, so I am embracing it while I can! My boy had his party (second grader) and so far he is ALL about me. Looks I have about two more years eh? Wait- maybe not even that long…
Chris Carter recently posted…Pause and Pray…
No more class parties for me. Our intermediate and middle schools don’t really want too much parental involvement so it pretty much ended in 3rd grade for me. 🙁
Michelle recently posted…Holiday Reflections {Ladies Only Blog Share}
I’m getting there, too, Michelle. My oldest is off to middle school next year. Years from now my poor daughter will have to kick me out one day as I cling to her pant leg screaming “don’t grow up!” 🙂
I think I’ve hit that stage and my daughter is only 3.
Lou Lou recently posted…The Swedish Christmas Goat
You always make me laugh, Lou Lou!!
Sounds like my boys!! I picked my youngest up as a surprise one day last week, and every morning since then he’s reminded me how fun it was to “go to the office for pickup.” Strangely he doesn’t mention the ice cream I bought him afterwards, but we all know he’s thinking about it!
Rabia @TheLiebers recently posted…Occam’s Stroller: Or the Story of how Parenting Makes you Dumb