6 years ago, the string of nieces began. We were blessed with 3 nieces within a year between my brother Ben, my sister Kelli, and Jeremiah's brother Job, which means they all started talking around the same time, got potty trained around the same time, and they all started kindergarten this year. It's been so fun watching them all go through big milestones together, and I can't even believe that they are all in school now. So grown up! (Warning: triple adorable first day of school pictures coming right up)
As a former kindergarten teacher I am so excited for them, knowing how much they will grow this coming year. Kindergarten was by far my favorite age to teach. There is absolute magic when they start to make the connection between those ABC's they've been singing since they were 2 and the written word. They start to read stories and write their own as confidence grows. There is nothing like watching that whole world open up to a little one, and it is such a privilege to be a part of that! |
| Paige on her first day - look at that grin! (photo by Brooke Mikutowicz) |
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| Emma on her first day - uniform! squeal! (photo by Jess Blascoe) |
| Anahi on her first day - with such a big girl smile and boots! (photo by Kelli Luis) |
I've always been the one on the other side of the classroom door, but talking to my sister and sister-in-law these last couple weeks about what it's like from their perspective to hand over their babies has got me thinking. It is back to school season everywhere. Reading online and talking to my family, I know there is uncertainty and tears, more from the mamas than the kids probably. I can't really know what that feels like, but I have decided to help you out with what I do know. So, to all the moms and dads that dropped off their pride and joy at those classroom doors for the first time, and then went home and ugly cried, these are the things your child's kindergarten teacher is too tired to tell you at the end of their first day or even week. But I think they would like you to know...
You have done so much to prepare them that you didn't even know was preparing them. They are
ready. Every time you colored with them, sang songs, said no, and followed through on a
consequence, you helped them with essential skills to be successful in school.
If they cried a little, or even if they screamed and clung to you and had to be peeled away by the
teacher, they were much better after you left. They always are, and it gets easier as they become
more familiar. The unknown is scary for all of us, but it should feel good that you are their safe
place.
They are going to be completely exhausted for a while (as is their teacher). That's a long day for
little bodies (and big ones). Be patient and allow time for everyone to get in a rhythm.
Keep a clean change of clothes in their backpack. Trust me on this one.
They found friends even if they told you they didn't. Kids at that age are amazingly accepting and
inclusive.
They learned something even if they told you they didn't. They are starting to develop their
school self and often want that separate from their home self . It's their first attempt at creating
their own identity away from home and sometimes they don't like mingling their two worlds.
Along those lines, they may have a tough time with some rules at first. The structure of school is
much different than home. Some kids have a hard time understanding at first that what works at
home with just them and their siblings, does not work in a classroom full of 20-30 children.
They'll get it.
They can do so much more than you might think. They are going through their day with all kinds
of independence and responsibility, following directions, cleaning up after themselves, and
solving problems. You'd be amazed at what they are capable of! So, don't let them fool you that
they don't know how to do their homework, or clean up their own room, and for the love of God,
please don't carry their backpacks for them. (Sorry, that last one is a personal pet peeve of mine.)
Overall, just remember that you are still your child's first and most important teacher. Don't ever forget that or underestimate the impact you have on their everyday life.
