Ruby, today is your first day of school. By now, I will have already dropped you off in your new school outfit that we picked out, and you will be meeting new people and making your way in the world under the guidance of someone other than me. Partially your teacher, but mostly yourself. Although I will not be there to physically pick you up every time you fall down, I am with you in spirit, and I want to offer this advice to you in hopes that it will help you navigate pre-school and beyond.
Above all else, enjoy it. You will be in school in one form or another for the next 14-18 years. Sometimes enjoying something comes naturally, like with ice cream and mini-golf, but other times enjoying something is a choice that we make. Choose to enjoy school, because it will be a lot easier if you do.
Some people are not going to like you. I know this seems odd, because who on the planet could not possibly like you? I can’t picture such a person, but I know that they are out there. Don’t concern yourselves with these people. They are not any better or worse than you, but you can’t be compatible with everyone. Treat them with respect, and they may come around in the future. If not, who needs them?
If you don’t like your snack, trade it with someone else.
You are probably going to be taller than all the other kids. If anyone teases you about this, put something of theirs on a really high shelf.
Never whisper anything to another student that is not going to be hilarious when the teacher makes you repeat it in front of the class.
Remember the golden rule, but also remember that it is not literal. Don’t do unto others stuff that you like, but they hate. Not everyone wants what you want, but we all want to be treated with respect.
Memorize quickly which drinking fountains have the best water, and make sure to get some every time you go by. Nothing beats being well hydrated.
If anyone ever tells you that you can’t do something because you are a girl, come home and tell me right away. I will then tell your mother, and she will kill them.
If other kids’ parents let them do stuff that you are not allowed to do, remember that those kids have bad parents and their houses are probably filled with monsters.
Even though you are going to be better, faster, and smarter than all the other kids, try not to make them feel too bad about it. You will need their support later when you run for pre-school class president.
If I get called in for a disciplinary meeting, it had better be for something awesome.
Finally, always listen to your teachers and do what they say. And never listen to any stories from Grammy about when Daddy was in school.
Good luck. Have fun. The mornings won’t be the same without you around. Edward and I will dream of you while we nap. We love you! See you at lunch time!
Well said:)
I may have cried a little.