It's a nap mat for Pete's sake!

My youngest grand nugget started 'school' yesterday.   Lola is in the three day a week program, the older toddler class.   That makes me laugh because she is so little and not even two!  But I guess since there is a class for 2's and a class for 3's they need some way to differentiate between the  younger ones. We previously had toured the school, plus it had been recommended.  It's a great place for children.  The night before the big day, her mom and dad were getting everything labeled and ready to go. (Wish I had learned that and hadn't always waited until the morning of!)

One of the things Lola has to take to school is a napping mat.   You know the thin, cold, plastic fold up mat you buy at the store.  The director of the school made the mistake of telling us that some children brought beautiful mats, some brought blankets, a sleep buddy, basically anything that would make nap time more comfortable.  I have a sleeping bag that belonged to Lola's aunt when she was an 'older toddler' that I knew would be perfect for the nap mat.   You've seen them, it's a bag that looks like a girl bear.  Just precious! We could slide the mat inside and she could sleep on top.  Amy thought it was super and I knew Lola would be the envy of every other older toddler.

As Lola's dad gathered up everything to leave with Lola he didn't have the sleeping bag.  So of course I asked, what about the sleeping bag?  I was quickly told (lovingly) that she didn't need all that.   She had a little blanket.  She didn't need to take everything she owned.  Too much stuff!  Well, obviously Lola wasn't going to be the envy of every other older toddler!  

Her dad quickly shared with us later that day that the teacher was appreciative that she had a mat and a blanket, period.   In fact, that was easier for them, the mat could stay at school and be wiped off each day.   The parents who brought all the 'stuff' had to take it back and forth to wash each day.

I knew all that really, but in the excitement of Lola's first school experience I got swept up and forgot about the purpose.  We do that.   We forget they just need a napping mat.   They don't need the mat with the memory foam.  There is a time to go above and beyond and a time to just buy the mat.