In many ways our childhoods are marked by a series of "firsts." As we grow, they become increasingly infrequent and less important.
18-month-new Ilyana can have several firsts in a day. Yesterday she turned the pages of a book one at a time, as if she had joined world of the literate. She smacked me square in the right eye, a first for both of us; and said the word "mouse."
Havana, now almost four and a half had her first Time Out at school. Led on by a five year old, she had taken sand out of the sand box. The girls were then cautioned by the appropriate authority, ignored the warning and went back and took more sand out of the sand box. This kind of thing, if not nipped in bud can lead to the collapse of a preschool.
Havana's accomplice was given a long Time Out. As a first offense Havana got a short Time Out. In adult minutes I imagine they are both short Time Outs. Havana's punishment-free run was over. For over a year she avoided this situation, either by blatant good behavior or subterfuge. I like to think a large part of it was the latter, but what's hope got to do with it.
When I picked up Havana, her teacher took me aside to let me know what happened. Havana had cried and her teacher was almost as upset.
Later in the day, talking to other parents at the pre-school, it became apparent to me that Havana was in a minority. Most of the kids have had Time Outs.
On the way home in the truck I didn't exactly know what to say to Havana. I reminded her that people can do bad things, but that no kids are bad. She echoed this, having heard that from her teachers. There wasn't much more to say so I high-fived Havana for finally having a Time Out. She was not sure how to take that.
