Starting preschool is a huge milestone. As everyone says, “Where did the time go?” I’m no different than any other mother who’s wondered those same words. What a quandary. Where did these almost 3 years go?
This morning our alarm clock went off and I bounced from under the comfy covers. Immediately, I knelt beside the bed. While I had the first day mama blues, I prayed. I didn’t start out praying for Ramey, my preschool son, but for myself and my husband. You see, I know God already has a plan for our precious boy. I simply want to be sure that God’s plan is the direction in which we take him.
I prayed asking the Lord to give us the wisdom to open the proper doors for him. My request to God was that we would have the strength and love to encourage him in the path his Creator has already set for him. When I finished praying, I looked at our beauty boy in the baby monitor (yes, I still have one beside the bed) and smiled with excitement for his new adventure.
DanielBoy took time from work to be a part of this first and exciting day. As we walked Ramey in, I could see that he was taking it all in. He spotted the playground right away. He probably contemplated making a dash for it, but he didn’t. Daniel, his dad signed him in and we walked together toward his classroom. After a greeting from his new and first teacher, she gave him a big hug for which he responded favorably. He immediately showed her his lunch box (Paw Patrol) and off they went to locate his very own cubby. The transition was so smooth, I was almost confused. I thought he was going to be more clingy or have a bit of a cry fest as the teachers pried him out of our arms but it was smooth as it should be.
The four hours felt like an eternity. In fact, I checked my watch about every half hour. My ringer was on high in case a rescue mission was needed. But, none was warranted and I piddled around hardly knowing what to do with my self.
Finally, his first ever school day was almost over and I could not wait to pick him up. I pulled into the carpool lane and just couldn’t stand it. You guessed it. I parked that car and walked right up to that school. It was almost like the scene from “Dumbo”; where Dumbo’s mom cradling him with her trunk through the bars and singing to him. Ramey’s teacher walked him out of the chapel as I stood on the other side of the gate. As we make eye contact, he said “Mama!” “Mama!”. My eyes filled with tears of joy as the gate opened and he was in my arms again.
Today was a wonderful day and the first day mama blues are gone. I’m not sure if they will return when he goes again but I can see that this was such a great adventure for one whom we want the best.
Is your little one heading to preschool for the first time? Here are 3 tips to help ease the pain.
- Be vocal: It might be tempting to stay quiet about the first day of school. Remember your child needs to feel prepared just like you do.
- Get the teacher involved: Brief her with necessary information that will help her and your child get to know each other quickly.
- Remember the comforts: a lovey, small stuffed animal or picture of mom and dad placed in their book bag on the first day might help with the separation.
The Basics:
- Backpack: Get a durable small backpack that will fit and hold a lunchbox and drink . This is fun to let the child pick out his/her style.
- Forms: Your child’s school will most likely have a ton of papers for you. Do this before the first day. Make sure to answer honestly and put down any allergies/medications or other things your teacher need to know.
- Change of clothes: Put a change of clothes including, socks and underwear in a ziplock bag with his/her name written large on the outside. This will be handy for any type of accident.
- Lunchbox: I chose a bentogo and a Paw Patrol lunchbox. Having something easy to open and fun is the key.
- Tissues/baby wipes/diaper: Make sure to leave the teacher prepared in the case of an accident. Place a few of each in your child’s book bag.
Most of all, enjoy each moment with your family and document it with pictures.
Katie Girl
