Mean Girls

My kindergartener is on the brink of having a very packed schedule. I usually don't encourage that, except on the weekends, if there are birthday parties she would be too disappointed to miss. As it turns out she has two to go to in one day (Saturday), on top of her piano lesson. That's fine with me. My biggest issue is resisting the cupcakes. Good thing I'm really picky about frosting!

So there we were at a party full of first-graders, and I stayed with her (as inconspicuously as possible), sitting on the sidelines and observing. There was a LOT to observe. The snide comments, the insults, the tongues sticking out. I can't believe how early it starts! I wonder where they pick it up. Older siblings? Or just being surrounded by other kids so often once they start school? It's a little sad, but I suppose it's part of the learning process, growing up, blah blah blah. I wish I could stand next to her at all times like a Secret Service employee, ready to deflect mockery or snobbery at a moment's notice. Somehow I don't think that would improve her popularity so I'll restrain myself, and throw her to the lions each day as I send her out to the school bus.