I will first explain that the mascot for the girls' school is a lion. A group of lions that work and play together is called a pride. Because they are all lions, they call themselves a pride. Each week they have a pride assembly and each teacher chooses a "Leader of the Pride" from their class.
They get a certificate at the assembly and on Friday of that week they get to have lunch with the principal. On Friday afternoon of the same week they also get to ring the school bell. This is not the modern electronic school bell. Its the old, up on the roof, have to pull a rope school bell. Its pretty cool.
Well, Taylor was the first person to be chosen from her class. Her teacher said she was everything a kindergarten teacher could ask for. This mamma's heart swelled. Her certificate said that "Taylor shows "outstanding" leadership in room 1. Taylor can be counted on to follow directions, make smart choices, and be kind be a kind friend to others."
Seriously? How could I not be proud?
I know its healthy to be proud of your children and I hope that every parent is proud of their child, but I felt my pride changing to sin. It was more than gratitude that my child made good choices in school. It was growing into an ugly monster that was feeding my ego and telling me that her success was really just because we were such great parents. Blech. I was becoming the Leader of the "Pride".
So, I asked for forgiveness and pushed the reset button. I was back to just healthy admiration of my child and thankfulness of God's hand on her heart.
Taylor got her certificate and was excited even though the principal called her Tyler. She enjoyed lunch with the principal but was glad that there was another kindergartner there. I think she was overwhelmed by all the "big" kids that were there. The thing she loved most though, was the ringing of the bell. She said it was heavy and had to have help.
Now, on to Emma. I made Taylor promise that she wouldn't talk to Emma about it until after I talked to her about it. I knew there was a good chance Emma was going to be upset because she wasn't chosen to be the leader from her class. I told Emma that only one could be chosen each week, even though there were lots of kids who deserved it. I know that she will eventually get picked, because every student does, but I didn't tell her that. I wanted her to just learn how to celebrate other people's success.
I encouraged her to keep doing her best, because I am really proud of how she's doing. She's making good choices and maybe someday she'll be chosen. She decided that she didn't want to talk about it with Taylor until she wasn't sad anymore. I thought that was very mature of her. She know she wouldn't say nice things. She had a few moments during the week where she had to adjust her attitude, but in the end, she handled the situation well.
Taylor felt celebrated, but worked really hard at not being boastful or braggy. This was a lesson for both of us. I waited to write this post because a mom from Taylor's class might read it. I didn't want to brag, but now her daughter has gotten it, too! Way to go, Hannah!
Way to go, Taylor!
And, way to go, Emma!
I'm proud of both of you!
No comments:
Post a Comment