I was really excited for Zeke’s preschool graduation, and ended up really sad about it. The program was very cute, and everything was going well. Zeke had a big part, and did wonderfully on it, and was singing and participating well. He and the boy next to him in the plain white shirt were nudging each other, and just kind of not keeping their hands to themselves, and at first it was a little humorous, then out of nowhere the other boy totally crossed the line, and started flat out punching, kicking and stomping on Zeke’s feet, and hitting Zeke in the head. Zeke immediately backed down, and didn’t do anything back during all of the bullying. We were proud of him for using such self control, but honestly, I was hoping he’d turn and bop that kid hard in the face! Zeke didn’t sing (or even stand up, he sat with his arms folded), during most of the last half of the program while the kid kept periodically hurting him, and I knew it was because he didn’t feel comfortable. I was boiling inside, and finally went up during the program and asked a student teacher to move that little boy, he was really defiant and wouldn’t move, so they had Zeke and his friend Noah switch spots which wasn’t the best because then Zeke felt like it was him that had done something wrong.
After I asked Zeke about that boy, and Zeke said he still liked him. He is definitely more forgiving than me! Later we had a talk with Zeke about what to say and do if someone is hurting him like that in the future. I know there will be more bullies to deal with, and I know I will remember this experience and if any of my kids are ever the one being a bully, I hope I can help put an end to it fast.
I thought maybe I was overreacting until I came home and re-watched the video, man it breaks my heart! I wish I would have gone up sooner, but I had no idea it would have gotten as bad as it did. I am really disappointed to have such awful memories from his preschool graduation, and it was all I could think about yesterday. I was so upset about it. I guess I still am today, and I probably should have waited to write this post so it could have been more positive. I did enjoy a lot of it, here are some parts I liked-
Zeke had his part memorized, and then he got to hold the wether sign, and his name was incorporated into the weather song :)
I loved the cap and gown on him!
After it was over, all Zeke wanted to do was show Xander to all of his friends and teachers. He is a proud big brother! It was really cute.
He wanted to get this picture of him and Xander in his spot on stage :)
Zeke got a gift bag with lots of fun things. His student teacher made a good size scrapbook of different preschool days and activities, and quotes from Zeke throughout the year, it was fun to read it, I’ve gone through it 3 times already. I really have loved his preschool, and the teachers were amazing. He would come home with cute crafts, and treasures everyday.
