Gulf Coast Family

by Joy and Jerry Lancaster

When I think back on the years I have lived on this earth, I don’t consider myself to be old. But I am sure I HAVE lived more years than I WILL live (unless I live to be 120 years old!). In that time, I would say that I have had three “careers”—the first and last of those being the most fulfilling for me.

From early childhood, when someone would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would always answer, “a mommy.” Little did I realize how much fun being a Grammy would be! In between being “just a mom,” and being a Grammy, I managed to squeeze in a lot of years of part time, and full time teaching. One of the greatest gifts my husband ever gave to me is that he made it possible for me to stay at home with my children for their formative years, but my second love, next to my family was (and is) teaching—and the best grade of all is KINDERGARTEN!!! I never saw myself as a kindergarten teacher, but I was asked to fill in for “a couple of weeks” for a kindergarten position—and I retired 13 years later—from that same grade!

Now do you mind if I take off my Grammy hat, and put on my teacher hat? Over the years, there are some ways that I feel parents helped their children to succeed as they started out in school:

• Read to your children—even before they can talk, introduce them to the wonderful world of books.
• Minimize TV and video time—today that would include computers and Wii. Encourage them to play and get physical exercise.
• Allow your children to role play—dress up clothes, building and creating things with blocks and Legos.
• Play WITH your children. There is no such thing as “quality” time without “quantity” time.
• Allow them experiences to learn to SHARE, and also to learn respect for others of ALL ages.
• And then, moms and dads, as you take that precious little one to school on that very first day (and all kindergarten teachers are going to thank me for this one!) DON’T have a long, lingering good-bye—just a quick picture with the teacher, and a hug and kiss for your little one. I assure you that, most likely, the only tears that will be shed will be your own! Your little ones are going to be so busy meeting their new friends, exploring kindergarten world that they will be just fine—and I promise you, so will you!

And one more thing, mom and dad – I always told the parents of my students: “I won’t believe most of the stories they tell ME about YOU, if you promise not to believe most of the stories they tell YOU about ME!”