Silly girl didn't even ask for a Suzy-Q.

I learned so much while Laurel was in kindergarten.  On her first day of school, I hoped that, previous to this day, I had given everything to prepare her. But I also sent her with the standard L.L. Bean (pink) backpack so she could be just like the other kids.  And for good measure, I made a safety kit for her and put it in the front pack.  This kit was stuffed with Phineas and Ferb band-aids, Aquaphor (her hands get very dry), sunblock, fruit snacks (to cheer up her), my work number and cell number on a post-it and 10 bucks...for emergencies.  (Later, according to Laurel, the after school fundraiser craft table was that emergency.)  I told her that it was okay to get her clothes dirty--that is why detergent is made.  She wanted to wear jeans..and not a dress.  I just wanted her to feel her best. I also offered her anything under the sun in her lunchbox. She kept her requests pretty standard.  (Silly girl didn't even ask for a Suzy-Q.)

Laurel was fine..but I was too. I realized, over the year, kindergarten was just as eye opening for me as it was to her.  This is what I learned:

I can worry all day about the pick up and drop off schedule.  I found that worrying was a waste of time..learn to worry when it actually happens...or with shitty traffic, when the routine is not happening.

The only thing that can get a child to realize that they can't wait until the last minute (to go to the bathroom) is to actually wet their pants.  Thankfully, when Laurel did this, she was with Lindsey as opposed to an elder Wang who aren't as sympathetic as Lindsey.  (That may sound bad..but Lindsey can play with the girls and go home to..lovely, blissful silence.)

You are never ahead of the curve..If you think you are, it is temporary or perhaps during a week when there are fewer scheduling e-mails or tasks.

Be aware that some brat will undermine your parental prowess.  When this child's parent calls for a playdate..you are never home.

There is going to be a random style that will come out of left field for your kid.  Thankfully, no brand names..yet.  Just the urge to grow her bangs out and occasionally brush her hair.  Small steps with that hair..

During the first parent teacher conference(s), you will not hear that your child is Princeton bound.  But hearing that Laurel is smart, focused (all Wang, all the time), a leader, a friend and very polite..this felt like Princeton bound to me.

I had the opportunity to ask for Laurel's first grade teacher.  I passed..I think or I hope, regardless, she will be just fine.  If she isn't..I certainly will not worry about it during the summer.