This week we had kindergarten orientation for my youngest. Believe me, I'm just as shocked as you are. Almost five years ago, I entered the world of Baby Bunching (before the term even existed) and here I am escorting my daughter into elementary school.
(Side note: It really does pass quicker than you think it will. As the guidance counselor told us on Monday--and it did make cry--these days speed by so treasure your little jewels while you can.)
There are many pros and cons to siblings close in age. I actually haven't decided if having one follow on the heels of another is good or bad, yet, since we've only just reach this point. You never want your child to only be referred to as so-and-so's brother/sister. But I think one of the occupational hazards of having kids in rapid succession is they are often lumped together as a "unit." As my kids have grown, I have learned that each kid really is an individual. I probably knew that from Day 1 when little sister slept and ate differently than her brother. All along the way everything has been unique for each child yet in the day-to-day so much is done with both kids together.
In the case of school, I'm curious how this will affect us next year. We've hopped around from preschool to preschool enough that my kids have never had the same teacher. Next year will be a first for us.
My own brother and I had three years between us. So while we had some of the same teachers along the way, time and 90 students or so had passed between my time and his. With many of us Baby Bunchers, we don't have this luxury. Child #2 or #3 comes along right after the previous one. I imagine as a teacher, it has to be hard to not compare and contrast siblings because even I, sadly, admit to doing that more often than I should.
Then I wonder that perhaps for Baby Bunched siblings the sense of being part of big brother/sister might actually help them feel better about situations and adjust better. My daughter will enter into a school of kids up to age 12 after only just turning 5. Her big brother, who adores her, will be there to help pave the road. She will have to find her own way separate from his.
On the way home from orientation, I asked her if during her breakout session with the teacher she told them she was Alex's sister. Her response: No, I told them my name was Anna Kerr. Perhaps this won't be so much of an issue after all.
Comments