Change of clothes check, lunchbox check, outerwear clothes labeled check. Mommy totally freaked check! The night before Little Dude’s big day, the first day of school. We discussed school and that he would have so much fun. He remembered his new school had a ramp outside of the building and a pirate ship toy in the classroom. Very important things to a 4-year-old. He was excited about his new backpack we got him complete with his name on it and his lunch box. As bedtime approached, my little became more excited. We read the Kissing Hand and at that point I realized!
I am more distraught over him starting preschool then he is! I had to have a quick check in and tell myself it is preschool for goodness sakes.
However, in my mind, it was so much more. It was the beginning of his school career, and school is one of the major foundations of life! School is where he will learn, network, and have opportunities. It’s where he will learn to be what he wants to be when he grows up. It’s his education.
For me, it was his first time away from home, in a new environment with new people and without me, daddy or someone he knows! Would he remember to go potty without being reminded? Or would he have an accident?
Would he sit alone, cry, or would he take the opportunity to make new friends?
The next morning, I had my camera ready, signs made, and the pictures pose I wanted in my head! I got up early & got ready. Daddy made him a power breakfast, eggs & toast. He picked his outfit, and I helped him get dressed. The whole time reviewing the “rules” and talking about making new friends. I kept asking him if he was excited! Then we came downstairs, and he posed for pictures! My sweetie!
After about what seemed like a million pictures, he said, “ok mommy lets go to skool now.” He told me that he was ready for the bus to come. I said I would drive him and daddy would follow us. Hubs & I asked him again or maybe the hundredth time if he was excited!
He finally told us to “stop saying that”! Maybe we got on his nerves or completely freaked him out.
When we arrived at school, I really felt like it was my first day! Butterflies in my stomach and that huge lump in my throat! Little Dude ran up the ramp happy as can be and we held hands while we walked to his classroom! His new teachers and the director were there to meet and introduce us. Little Dude just walked away and played. Daddy said goodbye, and I hung around for a few more minutes. I walked over to where he was playing and said my goodbye! I kissed his hand and reminded him about the Kissing Hand story. He kissed my hand too! Little Dude said, “bye mommy”! And was happy to play with his new friends!
No tears, no, “please stay mommy,” just a calm, “bye”! I waited outside the classroom door for a few minutes before I left, just in case of large water works display! Nothing!
On my walk back to my car, I already had my 2 1/2 hours planned! I was planning on going across the street to Starbucks and work from there just so I was close in case the school called. I have to admit, I was happy to have the time to write & read! And OMG worry! Little Dude did not go number two! OMG! What if he forgets to go or forgets to tell his teacher he needs to go to the bathroom!
Ok, I was worried about bodily functions! So what! I knew he would be fine, happy and everything else but to go potty with strangers! We never worked on that or discussed it! I have to say, I can create a story in my head! And I didn’t want him to be known as the new kid that poops in his pants!
So as the story in my head grows, I catch myself, and it hits me like bird poop splattered down on the car’s windshield. Or stepping in gum!
I’m a complete control freak. Yes, I know that. But this is the first time my Little Dude is getting to be in control of himself! He’s in his own school, his class, without mommy, daddy, or someone that is going to cater & do everything for him. Little Dude has to do things for himself because as loving and caring as his teacher was she had a class full and let’s face it. He has to learn to advocate for himself. When you’re an only child, school is the first time you are learning to advocate for yourself. And I, his mother had to learn at that moment, that I have to cut the control cord and let him grow!
A lesson for both of us! And here I was, all this time worrying about class size and if I choose the right school for him. I never thought for a second that I would be learning something too!
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It’s been so long since I dropped my child off ahi first day of school. I remember the hesitation and tears. I felt heartbroken leaving my little one with someone.
Awww, what great memories!! I still remember that feeling of my kids first day of school!
Nikka Shae recently posted…National Ice Cream Sandwich Day is Here!
Alas our youngest of 6 children starts Kindergarten next month! It will be bittersweet but we are both ready and excited for this new adventure.
Great tips for parents! School started for some in GA this week so this is going to be helpful for many.
First day in preschool is more stressful for parents than it is for the child! My kids did cry, but only on the first day. The next day, they were babbling about activities, new friends, and how yummy their lunch was. Just show your support and reassure your child of your love. With a mom like you, he’ll be fine. 🙂
Argh first day of school jitters! I think it might be much worse for us as parents, worrying about our kids and if they are happy at school than the kids going to school. Especially at a young age, they are pretty happy with exploring new environments and making new friends… Us moms just need to calm down!
Betty recently posted…10 Things You Should Never Say to a New Mom
Ugh, I need waterproof mascara just reading this!
I remember the first time I dropped my son off at preschool, I felt awful. Then, I looked at the list of all the things I was going to do and thought “huh, this could be kinda fun!” At first I did chores and errands, then decided to enjoy some time for myself instead and switched to long walks and bike rides . x
It can be so hard to watch them go out on their own, but that’s what we’re supposed to do – teach them how to live without us someday 🙁
I remember when my daughter started preschool. I was more upset than she was about it! This post is so relatable.
I teach kindergarten and the first day is ALWAYS harder on the parents than the child…know that your child’s teacher will take good care of your baby:)
Kim recently posted…3 Social Media Resources You Will Love
OMG, THIS!! So much this. My oldest son pulled the same! I was so worried, and when it came time to go, he was TOTALLY ready and I was left standing there not knowing what hit me!
I bet the first days back at school are awful, all that new feeling and growing up. Good luck to you both.
Sarah Bailey recently posted…Chrysalis Jewellery with a Difference: Review
I’m always so surprised at how quickly summer ends. This year is a little different. My son starts high school and oddly enough, I found myself thinking about his first day of kindergarten much like you mentioned. It doesn’t seem that long ago. The worry is still the same regardless of the age.
My girls have always loved the first day of school. I think I was a wreck when they were little, but they weren’t. The older they get, the more excited they get too.
I can’t believe that summer is almost over and my kid is going to have to go back to school! I am totally not ready. I do remember when he started kindergarten I think I cried every day for two weeks when I would drop him off. I still have a hard time dropping him off and he’s older now. I just don’t want him to grow up.
Jeanette recently posted…Southwest Chicken and Pasta Bake
Both of my kids had no problems on their first day of school. In retrospect I think both of those first days were harder on me.
I feel like a bad mom. I never did the picture thing or made signs or anything on my children first day of school. I just put them on the bus and went back home. In my defense back then nobody really did any of that. We always helped the children adjust and enjoy going to school.
I cried and cried when I left my oldest at preshool for the first time. He was totally fine, but I was a blubbering mess.
You are a lucky momma to have such a confident little guy that he can walk in without a look back or tears! I don’t know how many days he is going but ENJOY those 2-1/2 hours. They go by much faster than you think….
hugs mama.
Jenn recently posted…What I’m Reading Wednesday: “A” is for the Alchemist
I never knew how productive I could be in just 2 1/2 hours. Crazy. And I find myself pushing in more and more! I do really love the break and how excited he comes home. Thanks for stopping by! ((Big Hugs))
It’s amazing what lessons our kids teach us!
Kate @ Did That Just Happen? recently posted…To Each His Own
I know! It amazing me every day! Thanks for stopping by!
I remember feeling a nervous wreck before my child’s first day of daycare. Now I am not worried at all. I am hoping the daycare experience has me prepped for the first day of kindergarten.
It’s crazy isn’t it! You become a parent and you worry like yours did about you! Thanks for stopping by!