Sitting here, sipping on my iced coffee, I am overwhelmed with a whirlwind of emotions. You see, I registered my youngest child for kindergarten last month, marking the end of an era in my life.
As I prepare to send my baby off to kindergarten, I can’t help but feel a bittersweet mixture of excitement and sadness.
On one hand, I’m thrilled for my son to embark on this new journey of learning and growth. Kindergarten will open up a world of opportunities and experiences, shaping his future in ways I can only imagine. His older sister will be there to guide him on the first day, and his older siblings will be riding the bus with him, which comforts me.
On the other hand, I am anxious about the flurry of phone calls that undoubtedly come from the school nurse during kindergarten as his immune system acclimates to a new population of peers. I wonder how I will now supervise and support three children with homework in the small window of time we have together at night.
I am befuddled at home on how we will juggle activities for three children after school. Is there a child Uber available? Seriously.
My emotions do not come from worrying about the staff, school, or education my son will receive. I have complete faith in the community preparing to receive him and the other 60-ish kindergarteners. He will be my first child to undergo “kindergarten screening.” He tends to get shy and “go mute” around new people, hiding behind my leg; however, in familiar company, he tells the best stories and is so engaging to talk with.
Will he show what he knows or pretend to know nothing? Will he be judged by his siblings’ behavior and experiences, or will he be seen as the individual he is?
He has attended preschool for two years and daycare most of his life, so luckily, I am not worried about separation anxiety. He is used to our daily schedule of getting ready for school in the morning and is eager to ride the bus. He is most excited to be eligible to join sports teams like his siblings.
Amidst all of my emotions, I remember I am not alone. We are on the journey of life together, connected through our shared experiences.
So here’s to us, fellow moms, as we navigate this transition together. Let’s cherish the memories we’ve made and embrace the new adventures that lie ahead. And through it all, let’s remember to be gentle with ourselves as we adjust to this new chapter in our motherhood journey.
