Pablito

Eduardo and I came to the difficult, but ultimately correct decision that Pablo should do another year in Kindergarten. Those of you who know our goofy, funny, full of personality Pablo would not recognize him at school. He is withdrawn and not sure of himself.

Much to our surprise it was not hard to convince Pablo that this was the right thing to do. He likes the idea of being the old one in his new class. Some of his friends in his class this year are more than a year older than him! He likes the teacher he will have - I mean he plays the guitar and the BANJO - how cool is that?

In a strange way this whole process turned out to be empowering. Most importantly, I could not have a better partner in parenting than Eduardo. He continually voiced his very valid concerns about any adverse affects this could have to Pablo's self esteem. I can honestly say that over the last 5 weeks of very near constant discussion about this matter Eduardo and I have not had a cross word to each other about it. {I wish I could say the same about other important matters like who should control the remote control.} We listened to each other and realized that we both needed to be totally on board before we finally made our decision.

My kids are also at a great school. Not everything is always perfect, but both E. and I felt totally supported during the whole process. Other schools would have told E. not to worry about it, he would be "fine" staying back, but we were listened to and honestly told about both the positive and the negative things that can come when kids repeat a grade.

The last thing I learned is that as a parent you always have to fight for your kids. At certain times we could have agreed to things that we were not sure were best for Pablo, but it would have prevented things from getting at all awkward. We let things get a tad awkward, but we know Pablo will get what he needs next year.

In the end Eduardo and I kept coming back to the same thing: we will not regret this decision. I really do believe that if he went to first grade he would do OK, but it would be hard. He would still see people around him having an easier time. Most importantly the goofy Pablo we love might never decide to show his face at school. We know Pablo will have a great year next year.

The hardest thing for us is that we love so many of our fellow kindergarten parents this year. However, they will not be getting rid of us. I know the friendships we made will last. Eduardo will be coaching some of their kids in soccer next year, so if they stop inviting us to their parties their kids will be benched!