This week marked the beginning of a new year for the schools in our area. My grandsons have been anticipating the first day, the older one, Baker would be entering second grade and his younger brother, David “Parks” would be in kindergarten. I’ve been reminded of the benefits of having an older sibling as I’ve heard Baker instruct Parks about kindergarten: “You won’t have to take a nap,” “You’ll have specials including PE class in a big gym.” Parks was most excited that he wouldn’t have to take a nap.

Like other grandparents, I find it impossible to believe my grandchildren are growing up so fast, now seven and five. I keep looking back at the pictures from when they were much younger — some from when I kept them their first few years of life. I’ve been lucky to live close by and see them often. But even so, I can’t believe how quickly they’ve grown and changed.

Over the past month, we were able to spend some special days together, including time at Pullen Park. I wanted to appreciate where they were in their development before things accelerate with entering school. I’ve witnessed how fast Baker changed once he left Pre-K and entered kindergarten, how in first grade he seemed more like a third grader.

Observing Parks playing with his brother and my friend, Pam’s three grandsons showed me how daring he is and ready for new challenges. The following week, he climbed to the top of a magnolia tree in their neighborhood.

Last week, I had a day with just Parks. He came in the door letting me know what he’d like for us to do. One of the things was making s’mores in my oven since we didn’t have a campfire for roasting the marshmallows. While we put them together we talked about kindergarten and he said he was afraid of bullies.

“They might come at me when the teacher’s not looking.”

I knew he’d heard about this from his older brother.

“You’re right that bullies look for times when they don’t think an adult will see them,” I told him, and said I’d heard that from other children when I was a school nurse. “But you have to move away and tell an adult.” We talked about who he could tell, how he could use his words instead of his fists to stand up for himself. He’d never been scared of a scrap with his brother — even with their size difference, and had some minor incidents in Pre-K with his classmates. He could be a feisty one!

Parks is into soccer now and showed me his autographed picture of Ronaldo, the Portuguese soccer player. Later, he brought me his new soccer cleats and explained how they’re different from his baseball cleats. I took my time examining them, rubbing my hand over the sole and listening to how they helped you in the game. There was nothing more important than being present in that moment. Children know when you’re really listening.

Yesterday, the time finally arrived for Parks’s first day of kindergarten. He was excited and had no hesitation. Baker walked him to his class, observed by their father, my son, Brooks. He sent this picture with a text and said that seeing this he “wanted to cry.” When I talked with Brooks later, I told him that he’ll have many times when his sons are moving forward when he’ll feel like crying; I feel it as a grandmother, too.

I found this quote that I’ll leave you with and wish you the best with whatever bittersweet time you may be experiencing.

From Awesome Quotes & Notes (Aug. 13, 2024):

A grandmother knows that children grow too quickly and the time will soon come when they will no longer ask you to play with them.

A grandmother knows that it is more important to dedicate your time to them instead of taking care of the house.

A grandmother knows that listening to them without haste is for them the best gift.

A grandmother knows that their tantrums are sometimes requests for help.

A grandmother knows that you never go back

I will really miss their little hands around my neck.

A grandmother knows that sometimes a day never passes

and the years fly by…

A grandmother knows…

Simple Abundance