Girls are scary
We’re entering our third week in pre-school today. Diego has adjusted well to the routine and has nicely acclimated himself with the new school environment, except for one thing - girls.
For the past two weeks, he cried whenever he’d fall in line with his classmates before going inside the classroom. I assumed that it was part of the usual first day blues, so everytime tears would fall down his cheeks, I’d tell him that everything would be ok and that his teacher is there to help him.
For the past week, I watched him shed tears as he walked toward his classroom. All I could offer was an assuring smile and a nod for braving school despite his worries.
But when I saw tears roll down his cheeks again last Thursday, I decided it’s time to sit down and talk. And so I asked why he was crying and his answer was simple, “I’m scared”.
“Of what?”, I asked.
“Girls. They don’t like me.”
I hugged my little boy and let him stay beside me while waiting for the teacher’s call. Then I looked at the little girls and I was reminded of my own early days in school.
They huddled together, like we did, constantly whispering, giggling and then altogether staring before going back to huddling. I couldn’t figure out what they were talking about but I’m pretty sure they talked about Diego because they stared at him for a while.
I remember being like those little girls too. My friends and I would talk about the boys because they were clumsy and they smelled funny.
I felt for my little boy. I’d be scared too if I were in his shoes. To lessen his worries, I told him “Don’t be scared. They’re just shy. Don’t worry, They’ll like you eventually. Just talk to them. Say hi.”
Things got better the next day. He didn’t cry but I sensed that he was nervous being surrounded by them (there are 8 girls & only 4 boys in his class). So, I stood in line beside him and engaged some of the girls in a little chat about dogs, then I introduced my son in the process.
Unfortunately, I can’t always be by his side when dealing with this problem. He would have to figure things out on his own and it won’t be easy. Girls, after all, are tricky. I can’t really tell him how to figure us out because, heck, sometimes I can’t figure myself out either.
But Diego my dear, remember, as long as you offer your hand to help, your ears to listen, and your shoulder to cry on - you’ll be fine. Be who you are and always try to make them smile even if it’s just a small thing, because they will remember you once you do.
Don’t worry, it’s been only two weeks. There are years ahead of you. You’ll get there, I’m sure.
