On Kindergarten
- By supernovamommy
- 26 August, 2012
- 15 Comments
On Kindergarten
by Micaela Williamson
Not too long ago, I met a “varsity mom” friend at a local playground. I mentioned that my oldest will be starting kindergarten in the fall. She said, “Oh, you must be so excited! The day my daughter started kindergarten, I was waving at the school bus filled with joy.”
My face turned sour. No, not me. I’m far from excited. I have probably complained to every single one of my friends and family members that I am dreading kindergarten. The school day seems too long. My son will be gone until nearly 4 o’clock. It makes me sad that it is necessary for these little ones to go to school all day, and even though my son with a November birthday will be one of the older ones, I still don’t like it. But, we live in a good school system with a great elementary school, and I know this is the next step.
As a former teacher, my hopes for my son are strangely not academic. I don’t care if he is the best reader in the class (in fact, I already know that he won’t be,) or ends up in a “gifted” program. I just want him to be kind. I want him to treat others with respect, and not to brag. (And this kid loves to brag and prove others wrong! He is what my friend Wired Momma would call a dream crusher.) I want him to work hard (but not too hard,) love learning, and make friends. I want him to go to school everyday with a smile on his face. I want his teachers to like him and him to like them. I want his school to be an interactive, happy place where all the children feel safe and loved.
We have no family in the area and rarely ever use a sitter. My local family is my friends, and five of my closest friends have rising kindergartners. Even though we all live within ten minutes of each other, we live in Northern Virginia, which means the five of us are going to five different elementary schools. I am sure this adds to my anxiety. I really know no one at my son’s new school. Perhaps my biggest fear isn’t will he make friends, but will I make friends?
There’s no getting around the fact that kindergarten is going to happen. I will do my best not to cry, but no promises can be made. We live walking distance from the school, but if there was a school bus involved, you better believe I would be one of those crazy mothers following the behind in my car.
When a baby is born, everyone says, “It goes so fast.” Well the truth is, babyhood doesn’t, but now I feel life moving at rapid speed. Kindergarten tomorrow and college the next day. The funny thing is, I have a double standard. My youngest will be starting preschool, and I couldn’t be happier. I won’t even blink an eye if he cries. I will just smile and wave! Yes, I love both of my children the same, but preschool is not the unknown. I have been there, done that, and love it. Kindergarten, that’s serious stuff in my book. Hopefully I will get through the dreaded first day and claim my place in the “Varsity Mom Hall of Fame.”
Are any other parents out there scared of the big K? Any “varsity parents” want to share “first day of kindergarten stories” or their experiences? Feel free to comment below.
photo credit: woodleywonderworks via photo pin cc
I am in the exact same boat, rising kgarten’r and returning preschooler. I’ve been crying regularly the past two weeks. It feels like an end of an era. I love having all day most days to take my kids places and experience life with them. On the flimsier, hubby keeps reminding me that there will be lots of new and exciting milestones ahead and this is just the beginning. Know you’re not alone and it helps so much hearing other people who aren’t excited. I am definitely not ready, though my son is more than ready (also a november birthday boy). Good luck and wear those dark sunglasses the first day. And yes, I will be wearing them on our walk to the bus stop, ah!
Love the sunglasses tip! It’s nice to hear from someone in the same boat as me and wish you luck too!
I am right there with you Micaela and my kids are going into 7th and 5th. I still am bummed every year that they head back to school. I can remember each of their Kindergarten “firsts” and am now chronicling each “last” (i.e., last back to school elementary-school letter) of my 5th grader this year since she’ll head off to middle school next. So no advice from me. But here’s a big hug and best wishes to a wonderful start of the school year.
Thank you Amy! I can’t even imagine middle school. I’m sure these feelings resurface at different milestones. Best wishes for your first days too! I hope your daughters are excited!
My oldest also starts K and the past month I have been getting excited, and ready for him, but now that it is approaching I want to cry everyday (as I keep saying pregnancy hormones and sending your first born off to school don’t mix!) I am trying to keep it exciting for my son, because he is SOOO happy, and ready to start school, and I don’t want to worry him for no reason. I feel for you because I am going through the same thing! I loved your bus comment, because we live in walking distance (but just far enough that I don’t think he will want to walk it after a full day of school) so I am doing carpool because I don’t want him riding the bus!
We live close enough that the bus isn’t an option, but I would definitely be the type to worry if it was. I agree with you…keep it exciting and fun for them. I don’t want my son to know that I’m nervous. I hope he’s all smiles and hope your little one is too!
I’m right there with you too! (although mine went to a private K, so he is going into public first grade) I’ve been crying non stop at the thought of him on the bus!
He, of course, cannot wait to run on that bus and leave me behind in a cloud of dust. (sigh) It does go too fast.
At the same time, I am so looking forward to a little break from the non stop bickering and wrestling!
I have two boys and believe me, I know how physical things can get. Lots of bickering and wrestling here this summer too. Good luck with first grade!
I completely agree with you. Yes, babyhood does not go by fast. But I cried, when my 3rd started walking, because…it’s over, the babyhood.
I will send my 2nd into preschool – together with my first – and I will cry, too. Quietly. In my car. Because my babies grow so fast. My almost 2 year old told me today, that he is not a baby anymore. But, you know…they are still so tiny….
They are all still babies!
Trying to share my thoughts, experiences and pain with you, but keep getting interrupted by my 2 girls who don’t start kindergarten until next Tuesday. More to come soon, I hope!
Great post and thanks so much for the link to my Dream Crusher post! I know exactly how you feel – first day of kindergarten is so emotional for the moms! The sunglasses at the bus stop to hide the tears is so important!!! Let me know how it goes!
Thanks Monica! I get the song “Dream Weaver” stuck in my head every time I think of your post. So far he has been a doll at school and is just fresh at home. Let’s hope this carries over to kindergarten and beyond.
Try to read The Kissing Hand. It’s such a darling book and even if it does make you cry, it’s worth it and it will help your child know that your love will always be with them, even when they are at school.
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