Oh! You are turning into "that mom"

There are a lot of things I like about Holden's school. Most things in fact. You know that saying; "the devil is in the details." Yeah, well that is where my problems seem to stem from...the details.

The first issue I encountered was at a birthday party for one of Holden's classmates held at the school. The parents brought in outside party planners complete with winnie the pooh characters, etc. The problem came with the music they were playing. I really love my child hearing music where every four letter word out there blaring at a 5 year olds birthday party...at his school!Now...I don't like Crystal Gayle and Kenny Rogers, but strangely when certain songs come on the radio I can sing along. Not because I have ever listened to the music, but because when I was young my mom did (am I crazy or is this just me?)

The second, but less pressing issuse came a couple of weeks ago when a letter made its way home in his backpack about costume day. Last time I checked it was Halloween, but I am going to roll with the punches here. Costume day this year is going to be a harvest theme the letter says. Children should wear costumes representing the harvest season. Suggestions included: tomato, pumpkin, etc. NOW, I don't know about you, but who has a 4 year old that is going to roll with this?

"No sweetheart, I know you want to be superman this year, but it has been mandated, you have to be a pumpkin...get back here and put on this pumpkin costume!!!"

So, I casually mention to one of his class teachers a few days later that maybe superhero and fairy princesses might also be allowed at the costume party.
"Well can't you dress him in a brown shirt and maybe pin some leaves to him?"
was her response.

In my mind I am thinking, are you insane! Did you see my previous post about that darn Halloween tree? How could I possibly find leaves here? We live 35 stories above the city. Where would I find a brown shirt? Where would I even find pins? Yeah, I'm totally incompetent. On top of that I would still we have the problem of convincing Holden this will be a great costume, you know EVERY kid wants to be a tree for Halloween!

ANYHOW. I convinced Nate that he agreed with me on these issues (didn't take too much convincing) and we met with the school director to discuss our concerns. A few days later, another letter. No scary costumes allowed, but superheros and princesses are now permitted to come to the party and there are tighter guidelines on birthday parties as well.

Then, another letter came home...about shoes...

As of November shoes are no longer allowed in the school. This means that children will need to bring in a pair of slippers to wear while in school. Parents and yayas are encouraged to follow the policy as well.

Which means that every day we drop him off and pick him up when we have to go in the school and sign him in and sign him out we have to remove our shoes and put on slippers. Lets just say Nate has taken issue with this one. Lets see if he turns into "that dad."

We are going to gain quite the reputation aren't we? See what happens when you don't stay involved in politics! You get involved at another level. I hope they know I always win. :)