Off to Kindergarten

My first child is heading off to kindergarten. While some of you are probably thinking, that’s great! And that you can’t wait for your child to go to school, I’m over here thinking “he’s not old enough! (clearly he is, he’s 5.5)”. Or “how do I have a kindergartner?”. Or “is he really ready?” (of course he is).  I just still can’t believe that he is starting kindergarten.

I still think it’s crazy to say that he’s starting kindergarten. I’m not prepared to let him get on a bus. I’m not prepared to drop him off at a program for before/after school. I’m not prepared to pack his lunches.  I’m not prepared for those days that he comes home upset. I’m not prepared for the days he tells me he wants to do everything. I’m not prepared for the times he tells me he doesn’t want to go to school. I’m not prepared for the day he wants to take the bus to a friends house. I’m just, not prepared.

I’m worried about how he will be with the other kids. I’m worried how he’ll be in the classroom. I’m worried about how he’ll handle situations that may arise at school. I’m worried if he’ll make friends. I’m worried he’s not going to eat all his lunch. I’m worried about every little detail. Isn’t every mom who sends their kids off to kindergarten for the first time worried? Yes? No? It’s just me? No, I know it’s not just me.

Here’s the other thing that I totally realize. He is going to be just fine. He is one strong, smart, creative, caring, young kid. Although I know this past year, he has had his fair share of struggles, I know that he will do great.

So I hope for him.

I hope that he will make friends that will laugh at his jokes and make him laugh.

I hope that he learns a lot from his teacher and learns to respect them.

I hope that he will grow as a person in the classroom and outside of the classroom.

I hope that he will create a place where he can have fun and learn.

I hope that he will feel safe in the school.

I hope that he can play kindly with other children. And that he will go out of his way to help others.

I hope that he treats others with kindness and respect.

I hope that he realizes that he’s on a great adventure and will enjoy the ride.

I hope that he will challenge himself, in the classroom and outside. That he makes the best decisions for himself that he can.

I hope that he is able to express his personality and be who he is.

I hope that he learns it’s OK to fail; that it’s a learning curve for all of us.

I hope that he sees that his younger brother looks up to him and is following what he does. He admires him and wants to be like him.

 

My emotions for this kid to be starting this next chapter, this next adventure, are overflowing. I have moments where I am totally cool. But I most definitely have moments where the tears are flowing. They are happy, sad, excited, nervous and who knows what else kind of tears.

 

This is only the beginning. There will be many more years of school coming up. So, kindergarten, watch out – here he comes.

 

“You’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So… get on your way!”
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!