I remember at this time last year I blogged about the very first time in FIVE long years that I experienced a few hours to myself – with no children at home.
For the first time.
In five long years.
Being a WAHM, I always manage to juggle work and motherhood and last year, my daughter turned two so she entered a preschool morning program allowing me a few glorious hours alone (a few days a week) since my son was also in a full-day program. BOTH children were out of the house for a few hours and it was beyond fabulous.
I felt like a brand new woman again.
Kind of like what it felt like before I gave birth to my kids.
And this year?
My son starts Kindergarten.
I know – many of you will tell me to grab my tissues and be prepared for an emotional storm since I’ll be a complete wreck. But the truth is, as emotional as I usually get over these things – I’m ready to let him go.
I’m ready to watch him fly and spread his little wings – and as a Theta Mom, I’m ready to begin writing the next chapter, my own chapter.
I wasn’t one of those moms sobbing at his preschool graduation and I certainly won’t be a helicopter mom at the Kindergarten drop-off because I’m SO ready for this next phase in our lives to begin.
Maybe ask me again in a few years when my little girl (my last and final baby begins this process) because I may need to borrow some of your tissues then.
But until that time, September 6th is on the calendar baby, and it’s party time!!!
It was like night and day how I felt when my boys started school as opposed to my daughter. I’m notsure if it was the fact there’s a 6 yr age difference between them & I was older & more aware or the fact I had been lucky enough to stay home with her and she was the last. Maybe it’s all the above.
Watching my baby walk off by herself was so very hard. I know how fast the next few years are going to go.
My oldest is 4, and she’sll start Kindergarten next year. I am already starting to dread it…but, I’ve worked out of the home since she was 3 months old. Other than a little more juggling of drop offs and pick ups and who goes where, things shouldn’t change much. I don’t think I’ll get all emotional.
I always tend to work myself up before the event and then it never comes to be. I did the same at my wedding “OMG, what if I cry…oh no, I’m going to cry…I can’t cry I had my makeup professionally done” and then when it was time to walk down the isle all those feelings disappeared.
I do it all the time. I have a feeling next fall will be the same way. I’m working myself up now and I’m sure when it happens, those threatening flood gates won’t let loose.
Congrats on a little more freedom
THANK YOU for writing this. I have a few friends who are not wanting to let go. I’ve even heard, “I don’t want to send him/her to preschool because they will be in school for 18 years. I just want them home with me for one more year.” Are you kidding me?!
I’m sending my first born to Kindergarten next week. I’m anxious, but excited. My second will be in preschool every morning. My baby will be hanging with me. I can’t wait.
OMG. You and I are two peas in a pod! My little guy got on the bus for his first day of kindergarten yesterday, and he was SO excited…and so was I! This is a part of life…kids grow up, and we should be excited for them and be proud that we are raising well adjusted children!!!
Big milestone for your little guy! And kudos to you for being positive about it, and not blubbering. Not sure I can say the same for myself when the time comes though
Two of my three are in school now and I am counting down the days for #3 to go. I love him to pieces, but I am really looking forward to finding myself again!
I feel this way about my son starting school next year. I have that “where did the time go” kind of moment but I’m so happy for him to go and learn and explore the world. I’m sure it helps that he has been in daycare for nearly 2 years so I don’t have that “letting go” experience that others might have.
How exciting! That’s how I felt when my oldest started Kindergarten last year!
Thanks for sharing your experience. I read so many posts where the tears are flowing, which will probably be me next year….maybe? My son is in preschool and I deal with that fine, the thought of kindergarten scares me a little. However, you give me a some inspiration that it is a good thing. 😉
Wow, I need to borrow some tips from you. I am terrible at this kids-getting-older thing.
Oh wow, I hope Im as strong as you are. My oldest starts preschool this year and I get teary eyed every time I think of it. It could also be the fact that Ive been begging my hubs for another baby for about 3 months now and its not looking like hes going to back down.
Hope Im as strong as you are when it comes to Kindergarten, although a little bit of freedom will be nice.
This is how I was when my daughter started Kindergarten. I was ready to let her go. When her brother (our last baby) started Kindergarten last year, I was a mess. This year was different because I was ready for them to return to school
Go you, my sweet friend!
Love this post.
I teeter between wondering if I’m going to be a blubbering fool when N goes to preschool/kindergarten … or if I’m going to speed over to the closest mall and start my day of shopping, sans child. She’s only a year & a half so I certainly have some time. 😉
It must be such an exciting time for you! I am sure that once Lulu an dBubba begin school I am going to be a mess! Best of luck on Tuesday
WM
I’m not as good at this as you are. Partially, because I am still working, so for me, my boys starting school (my baby just started kindergarten) doesn’t mean time to myself at home. All it means is that they are older.
I’m feeling the same way right now about my son starting preschool in a few weeks. While it is all emotional and whatnot because he’s growing up, I’m REALLY looking forward to a few hours of quiet every day.
Good for you! I know you will make great use of the silence. I, on the other hand, will be the sobbing mess next year when R goes off to K. I’m already dreading preschool starting up again next week!
I cried when I left JDaniel is preschool. He ran off to play.
I am right there with you. My son started on Thursday. My almost two year old begins toddler preschool next week so I’ll have six short hours alone. Kindergarten has gone well, and he was so ready.
Oh he has got to be SO excited!! Kindergarten is a big deal!!
I remember when my first son started Kindergarten. I wasn’t a blubbering mess, but I did have the “I can’t believe how big he is and how fast the time has gone by” thought go through my head. In the days leading up to his first day I was preparing myself for the emotions and I was going to accept them as they came. But they never did. He was excited and so was I. Now our second son is itching to go (one more year to wait) and so am I!
I’m seriously in Back To School countdown mode!
I am right there with you! My son starts kindergarten the same day, sniff sniff!
I completely agree with how you feel, and it’s exactly how I felt 2 years ago when my son started Kindergarten. I was excited for him to enter that phase of his childhood-making friends, learning, enjoying school, riding the bus, etc. – and I was excited for all that phase would bring to my life, too.
Now, when he left for 1st grade, I did need those tissues. Full days without him took some getting used to!
I never cried either! But I think I will when my grandson starts next year!
Hope Kindergarten drop-off went OK today. My 5YO started Kindergarten today too. He climbed onto the school bus with his 7YO brother this morning, both of them smiling. Such a relief to see that!
SO exciting!!! Sadie is in Pre-K 5 mornings a week this year and Tyler is in preschool 2 mornings….my own chapter is beginning again too!!
I’m so with you. It’s bittersweet but it’s so good for them and us for them to become more independent. As a working mom, I totally feel you!