Kindergarten feels like such a landmark in my childś life. Since my oldest daughter was born, we often referred to life before Kindergarten and what life would be like after Kindergarten.
Liliana: ¨Mom, can I ride the bus?¨
Me: ¨When you are in Kindergarten.¨
Liliana: ¨Mom, can I go to summer camp?¨
Me: ¨When you go to Kindergarten.¨
Liliana: ¨Mom, can we go on a big vacation?¨
Me: ¨When daycare/preschool payments are over. When you go to Kindergarten.¨
As a Kindergarten teacher myself, I fantasize about when my children will be in Kindergarten. My daughters know all about it based on my stories and experiences, and they can’t wait to go.
I always said I would not be the mom who cries when my kids go to Kindergarten because I know how wonderful this next stage is. But why does this hurt?
I got the letter from preschool to register my daughter and what I once thought would be an exciting moment turned into a pit in my stomach.
It dawned on me that Kindergarten meant the official end of baby and toddlerhood. It meant no more mid-week park dates. No more stress-free schooling.
Where did the years go? I can recall several conversations with friends as we rocked our newborns about what our child might be like at age five. Never did I think we would be here this quickly.
As Kindergarten quickly approaches, I remain excited, but I am mourning a huge loss. I will miss the mommy and me classes, the mid-day naps, and the open-mouth kisses. I will miss the funny way they say words and express themselves.
The day will come sooner than later, and we will hit another milestone. It feels like a big one because it is. It is the beginning of twelve (likely 16+) years of schooling. Itś a whole new adventure, one without diapers or free admission to most fun places, but an exciting one too!
