Hydration

Dear Mom,

I am sorry for what happened at school pickup on Tuesday when all the moms stared at you like you had brought a raccoon in your purse. I could tell something was wrong because Mrs. Kendall stopped smiling in the middle of her smile, which is not normal for her, and because you waved at people who did not wave back. I know that made things awkward, and I am writing this apology to make it better.

I would like to explain that I did not mean to cause a situation. In first grade, we are learning about safety, and when teachers ask questions, we are supposed to answer honestly. Mrs. Alvarez said, “Can anyone tell me something we should never do in a car?” and I raised my hand very fast because I knew the answer from our own life. I said, “My mom drinks and drives,” which I said clearly so everyone could learn from our example.

At the time, I felt proud because I was contributing to education.

Mrs. Alvarez blinked a few times, which usually means she is thinking deeply. Then she said, “Thank you for sharing,” but in a voice that sounded like when the fire alarm goes off but quietly. After that, we moved on to talking about seatbelts, but I could tell something important had happened because my table partner, Caleb, slid his chair away from me just a little.

At recess, three kids asked me follow-up questions. I answered them responsibly. I said, “Yes, every day, especially in the morning, and sometimes on the way home too.” This is true because you always have your water bottle. I explained that you keep it in the cup holder and take sips at red lights and also sometimes at stop signs if it is a long stop sign like by the park. They seemed very interested, and I felt helpful.

By lunchtime, more kids knew. One girl said her mom says that is very dangerous, and I agreed because we are not supposed to drink and drive. That is what the posters say. I did not know the posters meant a different kind of drinking, because they do not show pictures of cups or water bottles, just a big red circle with a line through it, which could apply to many beverages.

I think things escalated after school when the moms were waiting. Mrs. Kendall looked at you again, and then she looked at your hands, possibly checking for cups. You were holding your keys and your phone, which are not cups, but I understand how confusion can happen in a busy parking lot.

On Wednesday, you said we were not invited to the park playdate with the other moms. I assumed it was because it might involve cars, and people were concerned about hydration while driving. I told you I could remind you not to drink, but you said something about “this is not about water,” which confused me because that is what you drink.

On Thursday, the sign-up sheet for the field trip did not have your name on it anymore. Mrs. Alvarez said the chaperone list was “full,” but I saw three blank lines, so I think it might have been full of feelings instead. I would like to apologize for contributing to that.

Also, at the fundraiser, Mrs. Kendall handed you a pamphlet about “safe choices.” You said, “I drink water,” and she nodded in a way that meant she did not believe in water anymore. I am sorry that happened.

I would like to clarify now, for the record, that when I said “drinks and drives,” I meant that you drink water from your water bottle while you are driving the car. It is usually room temperature, sometimes cold if you remember the ice, and it is very responsible because staying hydrated is important for brain function and overall health. You have told me this many times.

I did not know that “drinking and driving” means something else entirely, involving grown-up drinks that I am not allowed to have and that do not come in clear bottles with flip tops. No one explained that the phrase is specific, and I assumed it was general, like “no running in the hallway,” which applies to all running, not just certain kinds.

If I had known, I would have said, “My mom drinks water while driving, which is safe and encouraged,” and I believe the situation would be different now, and we might be going to the park today.

I am sorry that my honesty caused a misunderstanding that turned into a reputation that is not accurate. I am also sorry that the other moms look at you like you are a cautionary tale instead of a hydrated person.

If it helps, I can make an announcement in class tomorrow to correct the information. I will raise my hand again, but maybe not as fast this time, and say, “Correction: my mom only drinks water while driving, and she does it very well.”

Please let me know if you would like me to include details about the brand of water or the frequency of sips.

Love,

Your responsible child