When my grandson was in first grade, his class began having Mystery Readers come in on Friday after lunch and recess. Any family member who wanted to be a reader filled out a basic information sheet and then included 5 hints about themselves as well as the title of the book they would be reading. If they wanted, the teacher would provide a book.
My daughter asked (knowing full well) if I would be interested in being a mystery reader. Of course I said “yes.” She emailed me the form, I filled it out and said I would be reading the book “Put me in The Zoo” by Robert Lopshire.
I arrived at 12:10 pm, signed in with the office and got my visitor sticker. I chatted with the principal for a couple of minutes and then the class was ready for me.
I excitedly walked all the way to the end of the hall to room 103. The door was partially open. I peaked around the doorframe and clearly my grandson had no idea I was the mystery reader that day. It turns out the teacher was a substitute and had inadvertently read the wrong list of hints. This made absolutely no difference. Liam leapt from his spot on the carpet and gave me a huge hug. *
There was a rocking chair on a section of carpet. The kids were all seated facing the chair. The teacher said the chair was all mine and sat down at his desk to otherwise occupy himself.
I had this wonderful class of first graders to myself. Almost from the moment I walked in and the kids realized I was Liam’s grandma, there were random little girl voices excitedly letting me know that Liam, 61/2 year old, first grandchild, Liam, had a girlfriend!
I kept my focus (and my cool) and sat down to read the book. I did take note that Liam was sitting next to a beautiful little girl with long golden hair and deep brown eyes and the most adorable smile. When Liam, with his own very adorable smile, rested his head on her shoulder, my heart melted. I engaged the kids, read the story, fielded questions, had my picture taken with Liam, got more hugs and said goodbye.
Being the mystery reader took all of about twenty minutes. It was a joyous experience and I thank Demmitt Elementary School and Liam’s teacher and the substitute for the opportunity.
Now, some thoughts about a 61/2 year old having a girlfriend. One of my biggest pet peeves is when an adult asks a child who is inappropriately young to be dating, if they have a boyfriend or girlfriend. Children today are already over sexualized. Why in the world would you contribute to this by asking a young child if they have a boyfriend or girlfriend? Just stop it. Think about who you are in this child’s life. Are you a trusted relative or friend? Does the child look up to you? Respect you? Want to do good in your eyes? What kind of effect could your comment have on them?
This may seem like the rant of an overprotective grandma-it is not. It is definitely my personal opinion but stop and think about it. Having a girlfriend or boyfriend as a teenager, you had no idea what you were doing. I would hope you wouldn’t wish that on any small child.
My daughter and Liam’s “girlfriend’s” mother have met and talked. They are both aware of the situation and are being awesome parents who are not rushing their first graders into an unhealthy and inappropriate relationship. Liam was invited to his friend’s house for her birthday party and then was invited to stay for dinner with her family. It’s all part of life’s lessons and wonderful humans being raised.
*When Liam was in kindergarten, he was recognized as the the best hugger in the whole school!
My Patio 