My son will go to Kindergarten, and I feel like a part of me is leaving with him. When did my baby get so big? A letter to my boy as he goes to Kindergarten, I have great hopes for him, but the emotional toll this transition is taking on me is REAL.
As You go to Kindergarten
As you go to Kindergarten, I have mixed emotions. Ones that range from pure excitement as you tackle the world, and those of total dread as you leave the one I have created for you at home. I’ve thought about this day since the moment you were born. I’ve loved that you were all mine. You have always spent the majority of your waking hours with me, talking and playing, even screaming and crying, but they were with me. I have had a large amount of control over what is in your world, and what you are exposed to. Now that changes. All I can do is trust that the foundation that we have laid for you at home remains solid. That despite what you are exposed to, your values, your kindness towards others, and your infectious smile remains. I’m so proud of you, and you’re ready.
As you go to Kindergarten, I’ll hide my tears behind sunglasses and I’ll mask my nervousness with a smile that I have perfected over the years. The smile that tells the world I’m ok, while inside I’m really not. Because here’s the truth, you will be just fine, but I won’t. I’ll miss you. I’ll miss sitting with you at lunch, hearing about your latest wrestling match against your stuffed wrestlers. I’ll miss board games in the afternoon while the baby naps. I’ll miss my best laundry helper I’ve ever had. But I’m hoping you won’t miss me. I want you to thrive. Make new friends, make the most of every experience offered to you, and impress everyone you come in contact with, just like you always have.
As you go to Kindergarten, I’m no longer the stay-at-home mom to little babies. My biggest baby is in Kindergarten! Just like that, in the blink of an eye, I’m not longer covered in spit-up, elbow deep in dirty diapers, and I’m almost getting a few hours of sleep at a time. It’s a new chapter for all of us. And I’m going to follow your lead on this one. I’ll watch you be ok, and I’ll be ok. I’ll see you make new friends, and I’ll make new friends. I’ll see your bravery, and my nervous smile will transform into a real one. I’m excited to watch you grow, and we will all grow with you.
As you go to Kindergarten, I want you to feel secure, be confident, and tackle every one of your fears. You are my sweet, smart, sensitive and spirited boy, but forever my baby. I love you, my Kindergartener!
Katie is a stay-at-home mom to three littles who believes that parents should be supported, and that the social-emotional health of the child should be priority, this is why she writes at The Mommy View. She has also co-authored the best selling ebook, The Undeniable Power of Play and writes about kids activities and learning through play at Views From a Step Stool. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date!