Riyu’s First Week of School

This week has been so full in all the ways.

Full of activities, full of people, full of food, full of love.

Mama and Papa were here this week.

Riyu had his first day of school.

Ankur has finished orientation and started seeing patients.

And we had our first parent meeting at Riyu’s pre-school, which left me feeling so teary-eyed and grateful that we landed here.

Yesterday was my official volunteer day and watching the teacher and parents interact with the children left me with my jaw on the floor. Everything is so beautifully systematic. They meet each child where they’re at, and every interaction with each child is so intentional and kind and nurturing.

I came home feeling so inspired and, honestly, so much more patient with my own children.

I often say that it’s helpful to have a parenting book sitting on my bedside table. Because flipping through it – when I can – gives me tangible things to try with my kids but, even more than that, keeping those ideas at the forefront of my mind helps me approach challenging moments with more patience and understanding.

Well, that’s how it felt after leaving Riyu’s school yesterday. Like I was getting live parenting coaching just by watching these interactions unfold. It was so beautiful. I’m getting emotional again just thinking about it.

Yesterday, I thought maybe I’d stay with Riyu for a few more days because he seems like he might have a hard time separating. His teacher told me she’s comfortable with whatever I’m comfortable with, but she also gently helped me realize that when I’m gone, Riyu will have the opportunity to lean on other adults for comfort. Other adults who can “sit with him in his sad.”