"Come today, Mom!" he said.
I started to explain that I'd have to check my schedule and I had a lot to do at work and blah blah blah... And then I stopped myself. There was absolutely no reason I couldn't go. My schedule was open. Of course I could totally leave the office for 30 minutes with Matteo. What was I thinking initially saying no?
Boy, that was the best decision I think I've made in months.
I walked in to a bustling classroom of 25 preschoolers getting ready for lunch. I thought that parents sat at the larger, group tables with all the kids. But his teachers gestured toward the a special table for two, only used for parent visits, right next to the window. They quietly told me how Matteo had proudly set the little table all by himself, without being prompted, with a small yellow gingham table cloth, china plates and real silverware.
Just then Matteo walked out of the bathroom with a small glass in his hand. "Hi, Mom! I'm getting you water!" He was beaming and I was so happy to be there.
We sat down together and he showed me how he takes all of his food out of his lunch bag and arranges it neatly on his plate. He showed me how he cuts his Pirate Booty open with scissors. He pointed out the spoon he set out for me for my yogurt. I had surprised him with his favorite meatball sandwich from Subway and he excitedly told his teacher about it. After we were done he picked everything up and put it away in either the trash, recycling or compost bins. Then he picked up the dishes and silverware and put them in the wash bins.
A couple of months ago, one of his teachers told me that Matteo had created his own job for himself in the classroom. He had been watching the older kids and their classroom jobs for a while and decided he wanted one. Since all the jobs were already claimed he decided to invent a new job for himself. So after the kids finished their lunch he started going around to all of the tables and taking the tablecloths off of them. Then he'd ask the teacher if she wanted them folded or put in the wash that day, and would follow her instructions (with a very serious look on his face). I love that story. I love that he's a good helper, but I especially love that he was so motivated to help that he came up with his own way to make a difference.
Watching him on Friday was so gratifying. I was so proud of him and so happy I got a glimpse of his life at school. It also was a good lesson to try to not let my knee jerk response be "no" all time.
We're already planning our next lunch date.
