First day of Kindergarten
Posted by Lindsay Lebresco in August 29th 2008
Traditionally, the Labor Day weekend has always been considered the last holiday weekend before school starts. For those of you who get to enjoy this holiday in a haze of no homework, scaled back schedules and a light-footedness that seems to accompany summertime - EAT IT UP because next week-school is in session. Our guest blogger today, Shannon Hart (member of the car seat team here at Graco), enjoyed her families’ last hurrah two weeks ago as her daugther, BG started Kindergarten last week. I’m sure a lot of you who are gearing up to (or just did) watch your child roll off in that big yellow school bus for the first time, will appreciate her perspective…
At the risk of sounding sentimental, it seems like yesterday my 5 year old (BG) was just learning to walk and eating baby food. Now the big day is here…the 1st day of Kindergarten. One of the biggest days of their lives at 5 years old. One they look forward to for weeks when you describe the big yellow bus they will get on, the new friends they will meet, and the fun activities they will get to do such as music, art and gym.
A few weeks ago I asked BG a couple questions:
Are you ready to go to Kindergarten?
BG: “Yes Mommy”
Are you scared or excited?
BG: “Excited Mommy – I’m not scared. I can’t wait to get on the bus.”
Ok, so I had my answer - my 5 year old was completely ready…but me? Just a little scared. Would BG know what to do when she gets off the bus? Will she eat at lunchtime? Will she use the potty correctly? I know I am not alone on this! Our teacher had warned us that a typical 5 year old is trying to be fiercely independent but at the same time, will cry at the drop of a hat if they break a crayon. (Or as we experienced – getting toothpaste on a new outfit).
I have to say, our school district did a very good job of reassuring us of all our concerns on parents night, so much so that I stopped worrying. That is….until the moment came to put her on the bus, climbing the steps by herself, with kids her age and kids older than her. That moment is one I will probably remember for the rest of MY life, but she won’t. And she did great, and she didn’t get lost, and she ate her lunch, but didn’t have to use the potty all day (that’s a whole other story). And the worst thing that happened was a forgotten backpack at school.
As I walked away after the bus had pulled off (with screaming baby sis who desperately tried to board the bus with BG), I couldn’t help but wonder if just a little bit of her innocence was lost but her confidence had been found.
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“As I walked away after the bus had pulled off (with screaming baby sis who desperately tried to board the bus with BG), I couldn’t help but wonder if just a little bit of her innocence was lost but her confidence had been found.”
Ohhh, this shot right to my heart. Even though my son isn’t in kindy yet he is in a preschool - early education program and I feel the same way also. I can’t imagine next year!
Nell
We ARE eating it up this weekend, as school starts next week. My oldest starts kindy and my middle child will go to pre-school for the first time ever. So bittersweet! I’m so proud of them to even be able to do this, with no special arrangements, no more special ed school. So wonderful.