Bill Belew has raised 2 bi-cultural kids, now 34 and 30. And he and his wife are now parenting a 3rd, Mia, who is 8.

Kindergarten Bus

Daddy and I were later than usual going to kindergarten today. Sometimes that happens.

The usual morning routine becomes the unusual and the whole morning schedule gets out of whack.

We might not have been the only ones. It seems there were a LOT of mommies and daddies and cars all arriving at the very last minute at school this morning.

Daddy said, “Don’t hurry. Wait for me.”

But I didn’t listen. I jumped out of the car and was heading for the classroom when daddy grabbed me from behind.

Car tires screeched!  And I jumped.

It wasn’t as dangerous as it sounds, but it could have been disastrous.

It was my turn to bring snacks for my class. And I was eager to get there. So, I had to run.

But, “Running,” says Daddy, “is not the best way for little boys and girls to go to kindergarten.”

“It’s too dangerous.”

“What’s the best way, daddy?”

“Skipping.”

“Huh?!”

“There should be enough time left over each morning after parking the car that you should be able to skip to class. Or dawdle. Or check out the flowers. Or get an extra hug. Or to say hello to friends. Running is not good.”

That makes sense.

Tomorrow I am going to get up earlier, eat in a more timely manner, get dressed sooner … and take my time going to school.

Talk to Bill and others about their experiences raising bi-cultural Japanese-American kids.

Author Bill Belew is also featured in Prachesta Magazine. Here is the Interview.