My first child is starting Kindergarten on Thursday! I guess I feel the way all mamas do - where did the last 5 years go?!
I think the saddest thing is that he will be spending so much time away from me every day (7 hours and 17 minutes - but who's counting?). BUT at the same time I know it will be good for him to have the stimulation that his tired mama just can't give him.
I keep thinking that maybe if I use that time to rest and pace myself doing chores and errands, then I'll have the energy to give him my undivided attention when he gets home...at least, until his baby brother wakes up and it's time to make dinner. So maybe it will be better in a way. Right? :-\
My little fella, who is two and very anxious when it comes to separating from mommy and daddy, will also be starting a church preschool two mornings a week. This is in a few weeks. There is a 110% chance that they will have to peel him off of me so I can leave. I think it will be good for him to expand his horizons, though. And it will be good for me to have 6 hours a week all.to.my.self. :)
Sorry to ramble. Just thinking about all of this change and not able to sleep.
Suzy
I was a wreck when my son went to kindergarten. He is about to go to second grade this fall. I do like it some days because I get the house to myself and I can nap, but I also miss him. He loves school, though and has been asking when he can go back lol.
He will make friends and be fine. Do you get to go with him and meet his teacher on the first day?
Same here. When kidlet started preschool, I was calling them a couple of times a morning! Anyway, it does get a bit easier as time goes by, and by the time they hit middle school, I was "it's about time the summer is over"! ;) :D
He'll be fine, and will probably have a ton of friends by the end of the school term.
Take care of yourself -
Patze
Suzy,
Yes, it is a big week for you! Your kindergartener will be so happy about finally going to school that you will have a hard time being sad. It will give you one-on-one time with your two year old, too!
When the little one starts preschool, sprout some wings and do something for yourself. (You know, like buying groceries alone for the first time in 5 years!) Join the Y; go shopping; spend some time with a friend. You can definitely adjust to having a little time to yourself. Enjoy it!
Cheryl
Morning Suzy, From a former school secretary... :) Sign up as a volunteer to help at school! It's really an eyeopener to be in the midst of the action and see your kid interact with others!!!!
Believe me, I spent 20 years at K-5 with little people! Oh, the wonderful memories that I have as my daughter started K and I agreed to be the school secretary and bookkeeper for a dear friend that became principal of school that year.
Before that I had been a stay-at-home mom to 3 children for 13 years... two highly-spirited boys and one sweet little girl! The principal friend and I went to administration positions together and retired together 20 years later.
And, in the meantime my 3 kids and her 2 had graduated from college.
Yes, Suzy, This truly will prove to be a milestone in your life that you will always remember! Take a picture of him and teacher, if permissible!!!
Enjoy your upcoming weeks, Joy
Hi Suzy,
My youngest out of my four starts Kindergarten next week. Today was his B-day and he turned 5. I am sure I will be a cry baby on the first day of school because he is my last. I am excited that I do know his teacher. My son that is 6 was in her Kinder class last year and my daughter was in her Kinder class 3 years ago.
Kindergarten is such a wonderful year. It is amazing how much they grow and change. It is so cute to see them with thier new friends. My son last year in Kinder said Mom I am popular! My daughter in the 2nd grade could not believe that he even had friends in the 5th grade because our course in her eyes he is a pest!
I am excited to have a few hours to myself and thankful that three out of my four kids will be at the same school. That will cut down driving time.
Enjoy this new wonderful milestone! and rest I have noticed even though kids are in school it can be busier:)
My oldest is 5 and will be going to all day Kindergarten this year. He was in pre-k the whole of last year, but it was only half days. I for one can't wait for the school year to begin. Mommy needs a break! LOL
I think I must just be a bad mother! I couldn't wait for my kids to go to school. Only had a problem with one of them starting, which got overcome pretty quickly. They loved it. I loved it - and they are all doing OK now they are adults! :)
Yeah - just in case I was feeling misty, he threw a tantrum about going to bed early tonight. ;)
Thanks everyone for your sweet responses. I took him to meet his teacher yesterday, and we got to practice-ride the schoolbus together this morning. How cool is that? He is so excited! He's 5 going on 15, so I have no doubt he's ready. I think once mommy gets over the "hump" of watching him ride away on the bus tomorrow morning, it will be better. :)
Suzy
Hi Suzy,
Thought I would mention this to you because it just crossed my mind. Start building but your immune system and your sons. These last couple of years with my children starting pre-school and Kindergarten have been rough. They bring home every illness and germ. Last winter it seemed like every week someone in my family was sick and of course I got the worst case. So arm yourself with Airbourne it does help,they always now carry Airborne for children. It comes in a candy-like powder.
Yes - I do tend to pick up every bug and then get way sicker than the kids. This summer has been blessedly illness-free. I'm not sure if it's my mega-strength vitamin D or the fact that they haven't been sick. I guess I'll find out soon!