A Letter

Last year, I was in your shoes.  I know the thoughts in your head, the feeling in your heart.  It isn't easy, letting go.  I was lucky, my son LOVES school, and was so excited to start on this new adventure.  It's funny because it always seems to be that way.  The things he is most excited for, I am terrified for on the inside.  

 

{The first and last day of Kindergarten, they change SO much throughout that short 9 months}

I wish I could say that it will get easier, after dropping them off on the first day.  Yea, you get into a routine, you see that they love it, and have so much fun.  For me, I still got so excited everyday when 3:15 came around and I got to go pick him up.  I was even more excited when summer arrived and I knew he was all mine for 2 1/2 months.  I cried the first morning I dropped him off at day camp this week....yep, smh, I of course waited till in the car, but it took me a good 5 minutes to get ahold of myself.  I just always want to protect him and be there for him.

 

I am unsure of how the drop off on the first day of First Grade will go, and the first time dropping Lilly off at preschool for the first time (I keep telling myself I will be fine).  I also keep thinking during the craziness/loudness in my house during the summer, that it will be so nice to have them back on a routine and in school....

 

Some tips I have learned along the way...

If possible, meet the teacher, see the classroom, this makes both you and your child more relaxed.

Spend the few days/weekend before school starts just having fun, together.  Maybe even make it a date day with just that child.

The morning of the first day...

Wake up and get ready before your child, prepare everything, that way you aren't feeling rushed, and you may even be able to sit and have breakfast together.

 Wear super big sunglasses, the bigger and more they make you look like a fly, the better. 

Hide the tissues, don't let them see you sad.

  Take a ton of pictures.  As many as you want, this day only happens once.

 Find something productive to do that first day.  After drop off meet some friends, head to work, go shop, anything to get your mind off it!

Lastly, give them a great big hug and tell them how proud you are.  

**I am not an emotional person, like at all.  I rarely cry, movies and such really don't affect me, but man these kids of mine, they have the equation to crack that.