It’s a day that every mother dreams of. The day you walk hand-in-hand with your child for her very first day of school. A bittersweet milestone that marks the first day your baby starts her journey in life without the protective comfort of your motherly care.
And yet it seemed like minutes ago that you were locking cupboards, padding sharp corners, removing hazards from within reach of curious fingers. The silent ceremony of nudging, redirecting, and encouraging gives way to a new ceremony of handling off your child at the door.
Walking with my daughter, listening to her excited chatter about her first day in the big kid classroom, and watching her beam with pride at her new official status as a Kindergartner, my heart both soared and sank at the same time. Delighted at her newfound independence, but longing for the nervous toddler who watched the world from behind my legs.
Choking back the tears of joy as the Kindergarten teacher instructs her new little learners to find their coat hook, hang up their backpacks and change into their indoor shoes. Watching with pride as my daughter settled into her spot on the circle rug, giggling with her friends.
And then the moment when parents are dismissed with a cheerful wave and a hug. Walking home, I knew that everything had changed. I knew that things being as they should, today marked the beginning of a very important journey for my daughter. A journey of change and growth. A journey away from her mother.
Thankfully, one thing remains the same. The greeting that is music to every mother’s ear – “Mommy!” shouted with glee and outstretched arms at pick-up time. A small sign that my baby isn’t quite ready for the world without the protective comfort of her mother.
11 Comments
Oh Carla – this was beautiful! Thanks for sharing. I’ll probably break down with the “ugly” cry when my girls go to school. I’m actually not looking forward to that day, although my 2 year old already tells me she wants to go to school.
She’s in such a rush to be a big girl — just like me. What was I thinking??
Thanks again for sharing – sending virtual hugs to Mama Momeo 🙂
Thank you, Ivette. I’m certain you will be so proud of them and so happy for their excitement that you’ll manage to keep it down to a quiet blubbering.
Even today as I saw the older kids on school patrol ushering the little ones across, I got all teary thinking of my daughter when she reaches that age. But then seeing her run to greet her friends with hugs and an impromptu Ring around the Rosy made me realize how ready she is for this big step and the tears turned to joy.
It’s a reminder how truly blessed we are that we get to share in their journey through childhood.
Hugs back!
Carla
Awwww…. this will be me with my Julia on Tuesday.
Seems like yesterday my oldest was in kindergarten. It is a beautiful, bittersweet moment when they pass through that threshold. And even though I practically danced with joy last week walking my 3rd and 5th graders to school, there was a brief moment of letting go all over again. Congratulations on the start your daughter’s journey!
Okay, I cried when I took A for her first day today, and now you have me crying, again! Although my little one was a very nervous kindergartener, who (while visibly shaking) hid behind my legs while I murmured words of encouragement. Yes, it is certainly their first steps towards independence. Our little people, out in the world. Time marches on too quickly for me! Thanks for sharing, Carla.
Treasure that moment…it’s so amazing. We’re truly blessed to walk this journey with our children.
Thanks, Lori! I think I’ll be weepy about it for another week at least!
My baby is losing her little teeth soon too! She’s so eager to lose them, constantly wiggling them, and I want her to keep them in! Funny how little things become so symbolic!
We are truly blessed as mothers to walk this journey with our children.
Congratulations on little A’s first day! Such a big step for them!
I wore the biggest sunglasses that I could find and cried the whole time while waiting for her to go to her classroom. The next day when I took her to class she cried and held my leg. The teacher said that I could take her home and then try again the next day, but I knew If I took her that it was all over. As hard as it was those two days, I left her and now she is in grade 3 and couldn’t be happier!
It’s amazing how fast it goes…one day clinging to your leg, the next swinging from the trees!
Thank you for sharing your story.
You are so right, the first day is such an important part of their journey towards independance and carving out their own life. I feel it is also an important part of our journeys as mothers too. It is the start of the journey of letting go. It is a mutual learning – they have to learn not to be clingy to us and we equally need to increasingly learn to not be clingy to them.