Lucas is officially registered to start kindergarten in the fall.
And I’m over here being all sorts of sentimental and anxious about it.
Sometimes, it seems like it was just yesterday that I was typing up Baby Tooth updates and Lucas’s monthly recaps. Cliche as it sounds, the years really do go by SO fast.
When we got back in the car after finishing up at registration, and I was asking Lucas what he thought/if he was excited, his first response was a somewhat enthusiastic “yes,” followed with, “But how am I going to know where to go when I start kindergarten?”
And right then, I immediately felt all of my own insecurities and anxiety come racing to the surface.
I’ve always had a very difficult time with change; everything from changing a paint color, to starting college, to adding a new kiddo to the family. The build up and the anxiety has always been something I’ve had to deal with, and as soon as Lucas said those words, I found myself putting me in his shoes and started coming up with all sorts of different scenarios (which, mind you, I’ve already been thinking about)…
What if something bad happens on the bus?
What if he has nobody to sit with at lunch?
What if he gets lost on his first day?
What if…
As you can see, I’m sort of mess. For all I know, Lucas could have legit just been curious about where he’d need to go when he starts kindergarten, and it wasn’t a loaded question filled with anxiety like I’m building it up as.
I also know that many of these worries I have are both a) normal and b) silly, because deep down in my heart, I know he’s going to be fine. I just can’t help but worry.
Because, apparently, that’s just what I’m in for now for the rest of my life because…motherhood. <3
Court says
If it’s helpful to know, kindergarten teachers, principals of schools with kindergarten programs and the bus drivers for the kindergarten crew have all planned, performed, adjusted etc to this very thing and question. I don’t know what district you’re in, but I know that locally, most of them have pretty good orientation programs and hopefully that will make Lucas (and you) feel better about it all. (If it was more of a worry to him that just being curious.)
You got this momma.
Kimberly says
I remember worrying about my daughters’ when they first started Kdg. It seems to be a rite of passage 😀 Try not to be too anxious, I bet he will do great!
Jessica says
I am right there with you. My son is 5 and in Kindergarten this year and my daughter is 3. I like the older kid years a lot more than the newborn/baby years, but at the same time, the bigger they get, the bigger the problems that come up. They are no longer babies…. they are real, miniature humans with real human problems. And the decisions I make as a mom, and the things I say to them, and how I react to things suddenly have so much more weight and importance. I feel like my parenting AFFECTS them so much more…
So yeah, I feel you. I was not the nostalgic sentimental type of mother at all until my son started Kindergarten. The week before, I suddenly couldn’t stop randomly crying, haha. Its hard and scary. Motherhood is so heart wrenchingly beautiful My son is going through some difficult things and today I had one of those days where I just really wanted to escape somehow. Where I feel so strongly the weight of my responsibilities… like its all on my shoulders that he turns out okay… happy and healthy and well adjusted. But you have to just take a deep breath, and take it one day, on hour at a time. And in my case, I pray… really hard. <3
HANG IN THERE! Its been a really tough few months for you, and that as well I think makes everything a lot more raw and overwhelming feeling. Spring is coming. And you have all summer to prepare for this big step.
Lots of love.
Erin says
Ahhh! I totally get it! I was a kindergarten teacher before I had my kids so I knew what to expect but when it came time for my guy to start K last year I was definitely nervous! They will take such good care of him. The first few weeks will be spent learning procedures. He will do great!
Kayla says
Awww! I was a Kindergarten teacher so I can understand your anxiousness and everything! Just know that his teacher will love him as he is her own!! I always tried to reassure my little one’s parents that they are in great hands and I was available all the time if they needed to talk or anything. It will take some time to adjust, but I think Lucas will do great! Xoxo
Kelli Rudolph says
My daughter will be starting kindergarten in the fall, too and I feel the SAME exact way … and I WORK THERE!!! Haha. So, you’re not the only one that’s a mess! I work in such a big school and I worry about all the same things … will she like her teacher, will she make new friends, will she know where to go, how will she handle eating lunch in a huge cafeteria with tons of other kids. The list goes on and on … but you’re exactly right … motherhood. Guess we better get used to worrying! :)
Lauren says
My daughter started kindergarten this year! As a Canadian, I’m so curious about how things are done in the US. Here, we start full day kindergarten the calendar year we turn 4. Since my daughter has an October birthday, she was actually 3 when she started (along with all the other kids born until December). So little!! Pictures from the US blog world suggested things might be different to the south. Is that true? Best of luck with the transition – like all things parenting, I’m sure it will be challenging and wonderful!
amyloispie says
Aw, I know this feeling well. I recently found out that my 3.5 year old, also named Lucas, hardly speaks to his teachers in pre-school. At home he talks all the time and acts like a typical crazy 3 year old boy, so I was floored to read this on his progress report last month. Since then, I’ve been worried for his future in kindergarten and beyond. I hope it’s a phase as his pediatrician says but it’s hard not to worry as a Mama. It’s so difficult to let them grow up and figure it out themselves. I wish we could protect them forever.
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