A Heart in her Hand

Lucy leaving for her first day of pre-school with Miss Terry.

Lucy was really excited to start school. Although she didn't know any of the 7 other kids, she started without hesitation...until last Friday. She woke up determined that she wasn't going to go to school. Not feeling ill, and 5 classes already under her belt, I thought she was just being stubborn.

Just after the older kids left for school she was laying on my bedroom floor and asked where her heart was. I told her it was in her chest. She asked on which side. I told her closer to the middle. She continued laying on the floor declaring she wasn't going to school.

As I moved around the house she followed still proclaiming she wasn't going to school. Finally, after my several inquiries (and even some bribery) I told her she needed to go to school.

Lucy (whining): But we have to pledge allegiance. I don't know it.
Me: Lucy, I dont' think any of your friends know it. You're all learning it.
Lucy: But I don't know which arm?
Me: Which arm?
Lucy: yeah, I don't know which arm to put over my heart.
Me: oooohhh (finally! understanding) it doesn't matter which hand you put over your heart.
Lucy: I don't know which hand!!
Me: Lucy, use that hand (pointing to her right hand. She's right handed).
Lucy: I DON'T KNOW WHICH HAND!
Me: Do you want me to draw a heart on your hand? The one to use to pledge allegiance?
Lucy: yes.
Me: do you want to go to school now?
Lucy: yeah.
Me: go get dressed then.

I must say that I'm grateful for the reminder of the stresses of learning new things. Especially 4 year old stressors. Poor girl. It just took a while for her mom to understand.


I learned shortly after talking to Ryan that you're supposed to use your right hand. Oh. I didn't know that.
I'm Canadian.