Bean has been going to pre-school part time for a little over 2 months now. So, naturally, I am now an expert at labeling the people that I see at morning drop-off. Kidding. But really, after multiple drop-offs I started to notice a few different categories that people might fall into.
The Grandparents
- Asking their 3-4-5 year old grandchild where they need to go once they walk in the door
- Explaining to the teachers that they’re the “grandma/pa” and not sure how this all goes
- Reluctantly saying goodbye to their grandkid while the kiddo can’t run away fast enough to their favorite activity
The Veterans
- The air of self assurance can be smelled from the moment you walk in the door
- Their kids know the morning routine like the back of their hands. Hang up the jacket? Done. Wash their hands all by themselves? Done and done.
- Makes small talk with the other parents that leads you to believe that they’ve known these people for awhile. “Did you ever decide on a paint color for your entryway?”
The Super Moms
- Dressed in actual clothing and not just yoga pants and a sweatshirt
- Toting a newborn in a carrier and a toddler not yet old enough for preschool to drop off their 3rd perfect child
- Hair is usually slightly wet (an indication that a shower was actually taken that morning) or looking clean and dry.
The Night Shifters
- Wearing sweats (top and bottom)
- Hair in a ponytail/bun
- Zero makeup, unless it’s what’s left over from yesterday
- Yawning and getting things done ASAP to recover with a short morning nap
The Stay-at-Home Parents
Mistaking a Night Shifter for a Stay-at-Homer is pretty easy. We look almost identical to the untrained eye. The only difference is a Stay-At-Homer leaves with a slightly greater glow of happiness and opportunity for the time alone after drop-off.
If you have a child in morning pre-school, see if you can identify the different types of people you see at drop-off. Which one do you fall into? Did I miss any? In all seriousness, I know I’m totally playing into parenting stereotypes. If you can’t make fun of yourself, as I like to say, take a chill pill.
I totally see the fun of it! Plus, aren't there parents who wish they could go to drop off and just can't because of work?
I'm dying' I'm totally the SAHM.
My type…the “holy cow I have to run because I have to be to work in 10 minutes”. Always in a hurry and apologizing.
That was funny!
Yes, of course! I know my husband wishes he could drop Bean off one of these days.
hehe 🙂
Yes, I suppose I have seen a couple of those as well 😉
hehe thanks!
Yep, I'm with Kristin.
Yep, I'm the stay at home parent. Except my glow might not be quite as bright since I have other kids not in preschool yet coming back home with me.
haha that's probably true. But hey, at least it's a little less crazy for you? 😉