Back to School… Cue the Tears

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I know MANY parents are counting down the days until school starts in complete joy and jubilation! They are ready to be down with the summer sibling squabbles, the endless “Can I have a snack?” and “I’m bored”, and the house in a constant state of disarray.

I’m the complete opposite. Thinking about sending my baby off to kindergarten makes me want to rewind time and burst into tears!

And the complete irony in all of this – I am a teacher!  I am not shedding tears because I have to return to my classroom (I love my job, yet am grateful for time to refresh with my babies).  You’d think as a teacher I would do better with sending my first off to kindergarten because I’m in a school environment each and every day and “know” what goes on!  I also know what an honor and privilege it is that others entrust me with their most precious gifts day in and out.

But I’m still a complete and utter mess. Why? Even though he has been in an in-home daycare, a wrap- around childcare, 3K, and 4K, kindergarten just seems like the launching pad to his school career. I’m no longer there to help shape, help and protect him like I wish I could be.  So here are my hopes, fears and dreams for my son as he starts school.

I hope he finds kind friends. I hope he is a kind friend to everyone too.  I hope he thinks of others and how they want to be treated when he uses his words and actions.

I hope he uses manners. Please use manners, buddy!

I hope his teachers love him as their own just like I do with my students.  I hope he becomes one of “their kids”.

I hope he is helpful without being asked.  And picks up after himself.

I hope he struggles a bit so that he learns perseverance and the ability to keep going when the going gets tough.

I hope he is proud of something he does every day.

 

If he’s the loud kid, I pray for patience for those around him. If he’s the quiet kid, I pray they get to know him. If he’s the know-it-all, I pray they show him challenges and grit and that he has so much more to learn and area to grow.  If he struggles, I pray he is shown guidance and support.  If he’s being a great friend, I pray he’s acknowledged. If he’s not doing as he should, I pray he is appropriately redirected.  If he’s missing his momma, I pray he gets a hug.  

I know he will click with some teachers and he won’t with others. I know he will get his feelings hurt and will be the one to hurt others as well. I know he will love certain subjects and loathe others.  I trust and am grateful for the teachers and others who will be put in his path. I know it’s going to pass in the blink of an eye.

So be brave little one as you start your official school career.  Your momma needs to be brave too.

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Stephanie
Stephanie was born and raised in the Green Bay area. After meeting her husband Tom at UWSP while earning a degree in elementary education, they returned to the area to start their family and careers. Stephanie has been blessed with two outgoing and entertaining children - Landon and Ava. Teaching third grade keeps her plenty busy during the school year but she couldn’t imagine doing anything else! When she’s not at school, Stephanie loves to read, cook (and pretend to be a Masterchef), spend time in Door Co with family and craft/DIY. Her favorite thing in the world is to take her kids to free adventures all around town (or find a great deal while shopping her with her mom!) Literacy is a true passion of Stephanie’s which inspired her to also start her own business with Usborne Books & More!