First day of school: Parent Edition

Is it common to feel your heart dip into your stomach when your child is starting school? I'm sure it's normal for a first child going, however this is my third child starting school. It is my first daughter starting though. Maybe that is why I am having such a hard time.

What should I be feeling?

Excitement that yet another child will be out of the house for six hours a day, five out of the seven days in a week, angry because I'm getting older or sad because my little ones are growing much faster than I anticipated?

It's silly to say that I don't have the answer. I pride myself on always knowing what to do in situations that would normally make someone uncomfortable.

I suppose that's something that fades with age.

What makes it more difficult is I have to pretend all is right with the world because she is showing signs of anxiety as the first day of school draws closer. Aside from visiting her grandparents on occasion, she has always been home with me. The idea of having to be away from home every day is scaring her.

So here I am, sad and worried, while trying to comfort my daughter for feeling the same. Seems a bit odd doesn't it. Don't worry, it's odd to me too.

Here's my description of the First day of school: Parent Addition - Step-by-step format.

Step #1: Get up a crap ton earlier than you normally do to wake groggy children.

Step #2: Get children showered and dressed.

Step #3: Do your child's hair. (If there is a need for it)

Step #4: Pile in the car to drive them to their first day. - Do other parents do this, or is it just me?

Step #5: Wave goodbye and cry in the parking lot.

Step #6: Watch old home videos of when your child(ren) was younger.

Step #7: Finally get things done around your house that you haven't been able to do all summer.

Step #8: Watch that movie you've been dying to see... in silence.

Step #9: Get frustrated at the clock because it's almost time for your children to be home.

Step #10: Give hugs and listen to the "Greatest Day Ever, Mom"

Now, of course... if you work a day job... your day will look a bit different, but you get the idea.

How did you handle each year when you had a new child start school? Did it get easier with each child or harder?

🧡Shine Bright, Kayla