Kinder 2 is So Much Better

Guerita started Kinder 2 a few weeks ago. So far the experience has been so much easier than Kinder 1 – for me anyway! This time last year we had been in Mexico for only a few months. We faced all the challenges that I guess all parents face when their child starts a new school – buying books, uniforms, finding out the schedules and quirks of the place. The difference here was that we were in a new country, learning a new language and finding out about a new culture. I remember sitting in the first parent teacher meeting last year where the teacher was explaining to all the mothers what the program would entail and how the kids would be taught. The headache I had after that night trying to concentrate on understanding her muy rapido Spanish! I felt very proud of myself that I was able to get the gist of it, but there was still a lot I didn´t understand. I envied the other mothers who not only understood the words, but knew the teacher and each other and were like a group of old friends getting together. I also came to realise that a large part of what I didn´t know was what the Mexican mothers took for granted – the regular fiestas, events and expectations for the kids was alien to us in so many ways. I am the sort of person who likes to know what to expect and to be prepared for it. If my child has to take 25 Valentine´s Day presents and cards to school, it´d be nice to get more than 3 days notice. And we´re talking pre-ordered, professionally made goodie bags, not the handmade (and very sweet) heart shaped cards Guerita and I made together the day before. When the kids dress up for Mexican Independance Day, and so many other fiestas, they go all out to give them a glamorous costume but where on earth do you buy them? What is a Day of the Dead celebration? For that matter, what is a Halloween celebration all about anyway? At the end of the year, when the kids have to prepare for the Clase Publica, how do I even know what that is, let alone how to prepare Guerita for it??

Well, this year, in Kinder 2 (“the big kids´ room, Mummy”) I feel confident. I knew exactly how to ask for a larger size pinafore at the uniform shop. In the bookstore, I gave advice in Spanish to a Mum who is new to the school – and she´s a local! There´ll still be a lot I don´t fully understand when I go to the parent teacher night tomorrow night, but at least I´ll be able to kiss the other Mums hello and ask how their summer was. I already have Guerita´s Mexican costume ready for Friday´s fiesta. I´ve already bought the book that I know they are going to ask me to donate tomorrow for the story exchange. And you can bet I´ll have the Valentine´s day treats prepared well in advance this time.

Yep, this year, Mummy´s a big kid too.