Some things in parenting you just have to learn by doing, like when we learned about colic and reflux, and I cannot express in words how much fun we had with that when E.B. was brand new. I always skipped that part of the baby preparedness books because I wanted to get to the fun stuff, like choosing names. It occurs to me that they left out many, many more experiences I’d encounter or if they did happen to include the one about sending your child to school, once again, I breezed right by that one.
I’ve definitely been warned to enjoy these times of E.B. being little because they would go by too fast, and it’s true. Sometimes Cracked Daddy and I remember back to how chubby, bouncy, and happy E.B. was (and still is, minus the chub) and it seems like a million years away.
But the part about when he goes to school? I’m not dealing well and I promise you I am fully aware of how ridiculous that sounds. We’re all ready here. His little uniforms are washed and hanging, school supplies have been bought, and we’re really talking up the school thing to get him excited. Only I’m having a little trouble about the excited part and I don’t know why. Maybe because I’ve been home with him so much throughout his little life. Maybe because sending him off to preschool is admitting that he is growing up and I have no control over that, and I do love me some control over things.
The ridiculous part is that I could be at his school in one minute flat if he needs me. That I know his teacher and she is incredible. That the school he is attending is amazing and we are so blessed he is able to go there. That he will be exposed to many, many wonderful things and get the attention he needs. All the things I could ever hope for. But when I think about it all, these tear things keep coming out of nowhere and I can’t account for them in any way that doesn’t make me sound like a crazy woman.
I’m pretty sure now why they asked for 2 boxes of Kleenex on his school supply list this year. One for the teacher’s desk for little runny noses and one for the blubbering mom who will be dropping her baby off at big school for the first time. And I would be that mom.
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It’s hard to see them grow up and move away from us, huh? I know it’s only preschool, but still, it’s a huge step. My little guy has been going to preschool for three years, but I am still nervous about the first day of kindergarten.
Once again I find a kindred spirit…let me tell you about my control issues…yeah boy…I got me some too! Seriously, everything you’re feeling is completely and absolutely natural. It’s hard to watch our children begin to spread their wings and fly a little ways from the nest but it will be OK. I speak from experience!
That is rough.
My 3rd child just graduated high school and that was almost as tearful as his first day in kindergarten.
Worst part?
Now that I got through the first 3, I have 2 years before I have to go through the kindergarten first day tears with my 4th and last child who is almost 3.
Ack!
Every step that our children take towards growing up is a step away from us. Your tears put you in good company, so don’t fret.
You are blessed to know that he will be in such good hands and surroundings.
When Bubba started Pre K I felt the same way! There were no uniforms and it was only 2 days a week. It was hard to not know what he’s doing for a large part of the day.
I just keep telling myself that it’s real school yet. (Denial usually works for me.) Now he’s going in to 3rd grade and starting to switch classes. I’m having a hard time convincing myself that it’s not real school.
My oldest daughter is a kindergarten teacher.
Every year on the first day of school she has crying parents….you’re not alone.
It doesn’t get any easier. My “baby” will be going to jr. high this year. I think I need to start therapy. Now, this is even more rediculous because I teach and know this is all okay. Just to let you know this will all reoccur in a 7 years.
Lovely post.
My 3rd is about to start Nursery School – and I can assure it, it does not get any easier!