WHAT THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL LOOKS LIKE FOR A MOM

 

I’ve been dreading it but it’s here…my boy has started Kindergarten. He gave me the greatest gift in the world, He made me a mom. And now he’s gone eight hours a day.

This is what the first day of school looked like for Ethan. I mean, he totally dug the uniforms and was so happy!

And when I saw him in the uniform for the first time my eyes began to brim with tears. Those clothes represent the beginning of his long school journey. One that’s filled with new friends, new experiences, and so much independence. When Ethan met her teacher he was elated. A  loving teacher who filled the room with happiness, confidence, and all the things a grade 1 needs.

After I left him for the day I surprisingly held it together. As I  was pulling out of the parking lot that's when I completely lost it. I didn’t want to leave! I hadn’t felt this sad since his first day of preschool three years prior, which soon changed into online education due to pandemic, Will he be safe? Does he know how to stick up for himself? Will he feel happy and secure? Will he even miss me?

I know each year will get easier, and each milestone will come faster. But I wasn’t fully prepared for summer to start and real life to begin. I know it’s extremely childish and selfish, but I didn’t want to share this amazing little boy with anyone.  But after seeing his smile, and hearing how much he loves school, I am excited for his future.

That’s what makes parenting so tough; caring for them, nurturing them, but then loving and trusting them enough to let them go and grow.

Good luck to all the parents who have children starting school. Pack some tissues, take lots of pictures, and chill the wine…especially if it’s your first time like me! Cheers to school!

I created little errands for me to run. Fresh Market, coffee at Blue Tokai, pick up school supplies for the next day, all while checking my watch and phone for the time every three minutes. I arrived at the car line 15 minutes early. I didn’t care…I wanted to see my baby! Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, he came out, and I saw him smile. And I cried again. He was ok. He was happy. I was happy.