When that first day of kindergarten is approaching, every effort is put against getting the youngster heading out on his or her first big adventure out of the home. There is a lot to do to get ready for kindergarten. Between meeting with the teacher, buying clothes and school supplies and preparing the little one for the big challenge of being away from Mom and Dad for a few hours to a day at school, it’s a big step for the kiddo and for the family.
First Day of Kindergarten
But what is often overlooked in this rush to prepare for kindergarten is there is a very important participant in the process who also needs to do some preparing. That person is Mom!
When you think of it that five years from the birth of that angel from heaven until he or she walks out that door for kindergarten is a pretty intense period of closeness and bonding. For virtually every waking minute of those years, Mom is aware of that child, helping him, taking care of him and keeping him safe and healthy every step of the way.
Now the time has come to let that little one be away from home every day for several hours a day and start the road toward independence. Mom wants the right thing for her child and beginning the move to be her own person is the right thing. But there are a lot of emotions and mixed feelings that a Mother goes through even in getting the little guy or gal ready for kindergarten much less on the day you let that child go off to start that uphill road toward higher education and success.
One of the people who can do a lot to help Mom get ready for this big day is Dad. If he is a sensitive Dad, he will be aware that there is going to be a lot of anxiety and worry along with good old selfish desire not to let that kiddo leave the house. But Dad can be the voice of reason for Mom and for that kindergartner as both cope with the new way of life. By gently counseling Mom that the road to independence is what will make that child a successful young person and eventually a healthy and well adjusted adult, that logic can filter its way down to the emotional system and start to convince the heart that the head, in this case, is right.
Other Moms who have gone through this before are also a tremendous resource of comfort and advice for how to get through that separation, especially those first few days and weeks when the house seems empty and far too quiet. Friends can counsel Mom on how to fill that time, on things she can do to ease the anxiety like volunteering at school and on the wonderful victories that the family will celebrate together when the little one comes home from kindergarten full of excitement about what she learned that day. I highly suggest getting together with Mom friends on the first day of school for breakfast or lunch to cry and laugh together!
There are a lot of ways Moms can get involved with the school to help out. You can channel those emotions that you are going through to benefit the school and to support your kids while they are in class learning to become good students. There are programs like the PTA that needs volunteers to benefit the library, to raise funds for new furniture and equipment for the school and to help teachers buys supplies. Many times teachers would love a helping hand in class as well. So make sure to ask if there is anything you can do.
I have sent two off to Kindergarten so far! I felt like they were being ripped away from me in one sense and very proud of them in another sense. I knew that on Day 1 I had to hide those emotions that made me want to cry until I was out of their eyesight and just let them see the happiness and pride.
It’s amazing how much they grow and change in Kindergarten. Both of mine went into it not reading and both came out reading. They learn not just academics, but they learn social cues and get a greater understanding of the world outside the bubble of the family.
I am here to tell you, Mom, that you will be okay and so will your precious baby. Just make sure you have plenty of tissues available after they are safely ensconced on the bus or at school. This is such a big step and an important year in your child’s life. Embrace it!
Last Day of Kindergarten
Contact Robyn at Robyn@theneighborhoodmoms.com
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I remember kindergarten when I was a kid and how hard it was for my mom to let me go. I cried for her everyday for a long time. That’s was a tough time and a very big step!
I broke DOWN when I sent my first born to kindergarten. He was sooo not ready and I have SUCH guilt for sending him at five, when he could have went at 6 🙁 I will never forget that look he gave me when I left him that first day… still breaks my heart! My daughter, on the other hand, WANTED to go.. lol. go figure!
Oh my gosh I loved the first day of kindergarten LOL! Although it was harder with my daughter than my son (he was so much a little MAN and she was more shy).
I had a kindergartener last year, and I certainly wasn’t ready! It’s so wonderful and so hard to see them grow.
I’ll have a kindergartener in a couple of years, actually TWO just a year apart. It will be WEIRD to have all of them in school during the day. I don’t know if I’ll be productive or just take naps! LOL
I remember those times. They are indeed rough. It seems like forever since my son went to kindergarten.
Ahh that first day; so scary and exciting for both child and mother. It is one of the big steps of life.
Aw, I remember the first day my son started school! I was such a crying mess.
SHHHHHH!! My son is only a year away. I’m still pretending it’s not coming.
Out of three of my children, I only sent one off to Kindergarten. I still remember how hard it was. The other 2 have always been homeschooled so I never had to go through it more than that one time. Dang, I remember it like it was yesterday.
I know how you feel! My son will be starting Kindergarten this year too and I’m already dealing with the emotions.
Both my kids were like “you can leave now” on their first day of kindergarten.
My husband and I homeschooled our kids so I never had to deal with sending them to Kindergarten but I did feel that way when I sent them off for other classes/events. It’s hard on us momma’s to let go.
I cried like a baby last year when I dropped my daughter off for kindergarten. I think it was because she was so scared and had to do it on her own.
I had a rough time when my oldest started 4K. I was a sahm for his life up to that point, so it was hard to let my “baby” go!
Awww I hate sending my kids off to kindergaren. I know they enjoy it and it’s good for them but man the first month is always th hardest for me. Wait what am I saying? I have a hard enough time sending my teenage off to school each year.
I despised when my kids went back to school. I felt like my heart was being ripped out. I really struggled!
Kindergarten is always such a big step!! Even though my girls all started school in preschool it’s still was a HUGE deal for them to be entering Kindergarten. I always have mixed feeling when the girls go back to school, and my baby is now 7! I miss my girls when they are not home but I also cherish my time to focus on work on ME without distraction so I can be fully available when they come home… This year feels particularly tough, though, because my oldest is starting her senior year, her last year here at home, and I want to slow time down so desperately.. I know there will be many tears…
Awww. I was so sad the day my youngest went to Kindergarten, he didn’t even pause at the door to say goodbye. Now, they are homeschooled so I don’t have to say goodbye to them.
Oh, I totally hear ya! My son was in K last year and I was a mess. But now he is going full day 1st grade and I’m a mess again!
I took Kindergarten harder than my kids.
As a child I wanted to go to school so badly that I cried when the bus went by. My youngest loves school about as much.
Kindergarten with your oldest is a huge milestone. Gone are the unscheduled day trips. Say goodbye to all those free evenings once homework hits. But the transition for your child is overwhelmingly positive. They meet new friends. Learn to love school. Learn to read. Good times!
My son attends kindergarten for a month and every time I leave him with a heavy heart 🙁