“A portrait of my children every week in 2016.”
Lillia: This week I completely failed to pick you up from school on Wednesday! I had a meeting, and I had arranged for Zane to stay late at preschool, but I forgot to tell you to take the bus home. You tried calling me a few times, but I had my ringer turned off so I didn’t hear the call. You also tried calling dad, but he was with a client. In the end, you got to spend the afternoon with your art teacher Mr. Perry and your language arts teacher Mr. Gagnon—it just so happens that they are two of your favorite teachers. Eventually, dad got out of his meeting, heard your message, and zoomed over to the school to pick you up. You seemed unfazed, but I felt TERRIBLE. It was not one of my finest parenting moments!
Zane: This week you started suffering from severe separation anxiety. You’ve never had a hard time at drop-off before, even last year when you were only three. Apparently, separation anxiety in preschoolers is completely normal, but it is distressing. I already feel guilty about working, but being at school always seemed to be something that you enjoyed so I was able to justify leaving you there. The director of your preschool said that she had the same experience when her daughter was your age—perhaps you are experiencing some sort of developmental shift that is making your feel anxious. Thankfully, we have a three day weekend so you will have lots of time at home with me. Hopefully you will go back to school next week feeling more secure.