The tag said one size fits all, but I had my doubts.
Somehow, I don't think the T-shirt designer had my little daughter in mind. But no matter, the 5-year-old smiling out of the photo clearly cared little that her sleeves brushed her elbows. She wore, after all, a brand-new backpack and was on her way -- finally -- to kindergarten.
Our albums boast four photos like this, each featuring a different young adventurer. Each reveals a toothy grin, a set of new duds and the confident air of a child ready to tackle the rigors of elementary school. What the photos don't show, however, are the dreams each child holds -- for school and beyond.
You can't tell by looking, for example, that one will be a teacher, one will be a scholar, and one is a budding musician. And the littlest one, bless her heart, wants nothing more passionately than to make me a grandma someday.
But I know. Partly because three of them are almost grown and well on their way to reaching those dreams. But also I can tell you because I'm their mom.
Parents are the keepers of their children's dreams. We are the ones who witness the first signs of budding talent. We are the ones who see them try new things and eventually master new skills. We know how they respond to frustration, what they hope for their future, and if we're brave and determined, how to get them to do what's good for them.
In fact, we're the experts when it comes to our own unique, incredible kids. Doesn't it make sense that we need to share more of what we know with our kids' schools?
One of the most important things we can share is how our children learn best. It's in everyone's best interest for parents to understand their child's learning styles and communicate this to teachers.
We can also share with teachers our children's interests and passions, their strengths and weaknesses. Of course, it's impossible for teachers to create the "best" learning environment for every child, but knowing more about your child will help teachers design interesting lessons that meet everyone's needs at different times throughout the year.
Finally, we need to share our dreams. And not just the dreams for what they will learn and how they will make their living someday. We need schools to understand who we want our kids to become.
Because no matter whether we are raising mechanics, artists, engineers or scholars, all parents want their kids to excel in one thing: character. When we wave goodbye on the first day of school, we expect schools to reinforce the values we are teaching at home.
We parents need to take part in shaping community values. When all the adults in a child's life share common goals, we are much more likely to help all kids succeed.
Common goals, but unique learners, with very different paths to follow. No wonder schools get confused. Let's help them out this year, OK? Take some time during the first week of school and arrange to meet your child's teacher. Help him or her get to know your special child. Talk about your willingness to get involved. Gently encourage the teacher to keep your child's individual needs in mind.
After all, one-size-fits-all doesn't really work, does it? Not for T-shirts, and especially not in school.
Linda Wacyk is the mother of four children and a former EduGuide editor.