Michelle Smiles

Teaching my children to question authority, except mine.

Kindergarten Eve

August15

I know all moms do this but wow it is hard. Letting my oldest baby go off into the world. All day. Every day. Letting other people teach her and help her form opinions about things. Allowing her to possibly be targeted by mean girls. She is excited, as she should be. And I am excited for her (and nervous). But there is this little voice in my head screaming “NO!” This is the beginning and the end.  The end of me being the center of her world.  The end of constant carefree days. The end of our little family making plans when it wants to rather than around a school calendar. The end of me being the smartest person she knows. It is the beginning of at least 13 years of education. The beginning of her looking forward to snow days and teacher in service days so that she can sleep in.  The beginning of her figuring out what she is good at. The beginning of her finding her passion in life.  The beginning of making friends and memories. The beginning of becoming her own person so that she can eventually leave us.

5 years just wasn’t enough.

posted under parenting
8 Comments to

“Kindergarten Eve”

  1. On August 15th, 2011 at 8:59 pm Laurie Mitchell Says:

    She will do GREAT! (and you will too!). I can say having older kids that the first day (oh who am I kidding…week / year haha!) of Kindergarten was rough…BUT it has been such a joy to see my kids grow and learn and develop and become little grown up people. Just as you have loved the first 5 years you will continue to love all of the five year stages from now on! Good luck getting through!

  2. On August 16th, 2011 at 9:28 am tehamy Says:

    I hope she has a wonderful first day! You (both) can do it!

  3. On August 16th, 2011 at 10:32 am Julie P Says:

    Ow -did you have to end it with that last line. I never thought of it like that. I think I’ll try and forget I did. Hope the day went well for all 3 of you.

  4. On August 16th, 2011 at 6:49 pm Jane Says:

    Way to go making me cry. At least I wasn’t at work this time.
    Hope you all had a good first day.

  5. On August 17th, 2011 at 5:11 pm Lulu Says:

    You’re awesome. ‘Nuf said. Thinking of you and praying for offers!

  6. On August 17th, 2011 at 9:36 pm martha Says:

    Oh my gosh you nailed it. Jamie’s first day of Kindergarten is Monday and we are so excited, but my baby is not a bbbbbbaby anymore!

  7. On August 18th, 2011 at 9:35 am dana Says:

    Your last line has brought tears to my eyes. I also never thought of it like that. Ouch is right! It goes way to fast. As Serena would say “It’s not fair!”

  8. On August 21st, 2011 at 5:48 pm Stefanie Says:

    All I can say is: Right there with you.

    Stefanie