It’s March already, where did the time go? It feels like time has literally flown by. It was just the other day when we ushered in the new year. Historically, a new year comes new hope, new expectations and new things to look forward to. Starting this year 2021, I was looking forward to my son Kimondo (Now a Novaneer) joining Play group. This for us had been a long wait especially with Covid 19 restrictions and schools been closed.
Reflection
As a parent, there are things you look forward to: baby’s first smile, first steps, first birthday, you get the drill; the list is endless. For any parent with a 3 – 4 years old child their first day of school is something that will be forever etch in your memory. So finally, the day came for Kimondo to join school and we were all set camera lights action. Typical Kenyan style we were ready with our small entourage of mum, dad and aunt but we could have been a much bigger entourage of the extended family were it not for the current restrictions. We got to school, took lots of pictures at the school entrance and at the class door and he was finally taken to class. Let me mention, this went smoothly than I had expected, there were no tears nor kicking nor screaming, we were all calm as we witnessed Kimondo transitioning to a new exciting journey.
“Will, you please stay with me for a little while.” This is not a story of his first day in school rather a story of Kimondo’s transformation from day 1 of school to this point where the term is almost over. As a family we have seen huge milestones that our son has been able to reach. His character is much changed now. He is more expressive and can now fully communicate. He can now seek attention without throwing a tantrum but by speaking firmly and making sure you are listening to him. For my, soon to turn 4 years old that is such tremendous growth. I now look forward to hearing stories in the evening about how his day was and how he interacted with other kids in his class.
Immense Growth
His capabilities have also greatly improved. When he gets a chance to be the line leader in his class, he does it with so much joy. He sometimes tells me, “Mummy I wasn’t able to speak loudly…” but then I encourage him that not all leaders have to shout for people to listen. He can now complete tasks by first putting away toys, arranging his shoes and generally tidying up at home. He has become more inquisitive in a bid to learn more. This is part of him that I’m really happy to see. We now go on exploration on the weekends and it’s encouraging to see that he is more aware of his environment, plants, birds and insects. If you ask who his best friend is, he quickly says, “Miss Regina!” Snaps to you Miss Regina for all the amazing work you are doing teaching our little ones.
My little boy is not so little any more. He is slowly growing into a kind, mindful, fun, loving, playful boy. He is still work in progress but if his current progress is anything to buy then I’ll continue to trust this process and believe that the best of Kimondo is yet to come.
