Hop Dad

Starting Another Year Together

September 3, 2019 at 2:00 pm 5 comments

To My Sweet and Smart Kids on this First Day of School,

There was a distinct difference this morning from all of the other mornings of “the first day of school”: you were both up and out of bed before me. The kittens you adopted over the summer awakened you with their play and cries for breakfast. Had I known this would have such a positive impact on your ability to get up and ready on school mornings, I would adopt kittens at the start of every school year.

The summer break went by so quickly I find it difficult to recall any significant events. Some things do stand out: a trip to Oregon, adopting those two kittens, and buying a new car. Everything else was a blur of backyard fun, grilling, sunshine, YouTube, and birthday parties.

This is your second year at your new school, which means we can’t call it your new school anymore. I decided to bundle both of my letters to you together this year because, if all stays the same for our family, this is your last year together at the same school until you are both in high school. Coincidentally, this year your classrooms are situated within sight distance so you can check in on each other throughout the day. I am sure that will be fun for the two of you but it also has the potential to be a major distraction.

To you, Big Sister, this year you are at the top of the school – fifth grade. Already you are aware that middle school is on the horizon and you are nervous about what will happen to you there. Forget about that. Be present for what stands to be an amazing fifth grade year. You have made special friends and established yourself as a helpful and reliable student. Enjoy being the top dog at school and keep doing all of the things you do that make you a special student there.

To you, Little Brother, you are starting second grade. You have been one of the most popular kids, having made good friends across all grade levels. This is because you lead yourself with your whole heart, and treat each person you meet with respect and compassion. Your academic performance has been exemplary, your attitude positive and helpful. The word your teacher used last year to describe you was “royal”. With a start like that, it’s clear you have the potential to make this year even better. Also, please take it easy on those fancy new shoes. Let them survive at least one school recess before you tear them apart on that dirt soccer field.

Each year, on the morning of the first day of school, I have reminded both of you of my expectations. Effort is the key. If you give every task your best effort, the grades will follow. Be good to each other at school. You may fight like cats and dogs at home, but when you are at school together you are family. Do not put each other down to friends or tolerate any gossip from classmates about one another. Stand up for yourselves and each other when the bullies arrive. Be good to your teachers and staff and always ask for help if you feel you need it.

Now it’s time to take your new haircuts, fresh new clothes, and giant bags of supplies to school for another year of fun. Make this the best year. I am proud of all you have accomplished and look forward to another school year of fun, learning, and adventures with friends.

I love you more than Everything.

Entry filed under: Being Dad. Tags: Babies, Being Dad, Children, Dad, Family, Fatherhood, Kids, Life, Mom, Motherhood, Parenting, Parents.