Sophie: First Day of School Eve
My little baby is starting Pre-School tomorrow. Two mornings a week for 3 hours and 45 minutes. She can't wait! She's been counting down the days. I on the other hand, have been dragging my feet as much as possible. "Are you sure you feel ok?" I ask, then run through a list of things (sore throat, headache, stomach ache) hoping she will pick one up and run with it. In my case, it's heart ache that is making this lump in my throat.
I thought I would be so excited (and I am on some level, just not a level that is near the surface) for her to go and learn and make new friends. All of those things sound healthy. The thing is, I don't want her to be away from me. What if she gets hurt? Who will soothe her? Or scared? Or frustrated? What if one of the kids is really mean to her? Who will pinch him/her while no one is looking?
When I was first reading through the registration papers they recommend that you plan on staying with your child at school for the first month (not that you have to, just that some kids don't acclimate). I remember thinking that sounded insane. Why on earth would I pay for school if I had to be there? Now, with my little baby racing out the door into someone else's world, a month sounds reasonable.
She means the world to me and I am about to hand her over to strangers. I know this sounds so extreme but everyone has to go through it right? Kids survive and grow and move on without you. I know all of these things are rational but I can't help feeling like I am losing some of the best parts of my day by sending her away.
But, she'll come home and we'll have lots to talk about. Be sure though, that I will be quizzing her about the teachers and kids to find out if anyone was mean. This is reminding me of my wedding. We asked my brother Jesse to do a reading. If I remember correctly, it was something about honoring me and supporting me, and then at the end, he threatened my husband. Not in an overt way, but more in a "you better take care of her or else" kind of way. At the time, I didn't understand. But now I think this makes perfect sense. I am trusting you with the most precious thing, please be gentle, caring, patient, and understanding.
I thought I would be so excited (and I am on some level, just not a level that is near the surface) for her to go and learn and make new friends. All of those things sound healthy. The thing is, I don't want her to be away from me. What if she gets hurt? Who will soothe her? Or scared? Or frustrated? What if one of the kids is really mean to her? Who will pinch him/her while no one is looking?
When I was first reading through the registration papers they recommend that you plan on staying with your child at school for the first month (not that you have to, just that some kids don't acclimate). I remember thinking that sounded insane. Why on earth would I pay for school if I had to be there? Now, with my little baby racing out the door into someone else's world, a month sounds reasonable.
She means the world to me and I am about to hand her over to strangers. I know this sounds so extreme but everyone has to go through it right? Kids survive and grow and move on without you. I know all of these things are rational but I can't help feeling like I am losing some of the best parts of my day by sending her away.
But, she'll come home and we'll have lots to talk about. Be sure though, that I will be quizzing her about the teachers and kids to find out if anyone was mean. This is reminding me of my wedding. We asked my brother Jesse to do a reading. If I remember correctly, it was something about honoring me and supporting me, and then at the end, he threatened my husband. Not in an overt way, but more in a "you better take care of her or else" kind of way. At the time, I didn't understand. But now I think this makes perfect sense. I am trusting you with the most precious thing, please be gentle, caring, patient, and understanding.
Brandie,
Very sweet post - totally understandable! I am thinking of starting Emily and Liam in a Mommy & Me 2's program this fall and then we'll move onto the 3's preschool the following year!
Good luck!!
:) Julie