Back to Scool Blues
My kids still have a few years until they start kindergarten, but last night at daycare we had a graduation party for the kids who are heading off to kindergarten. I know it’s normal for parents to feel some sadness as their kids move on from being preschoolers to kindergarten, but it hit me surprisingly hard. Back to school season turns the emotional ante way up.
The kids we were celebrating were not mine, and truthfully, I barely know them other than the fact that they were in my daughter’s class. There was a sweet ceremony that involved the graduates walking through each classroom to say goodbye to the places they spent their days since they were 12 weeks old. Parents received flowers, and there was a slideshow of each kid from infancy through age 5.
I found myself holding onto my 16-month old son and squeezing just a bit tighter. I know it’s cliche, but they really do grow up too fast. I am so thankful I have a few short years to prepare myself for kindergarten.
As “they” say, the days are long but the weeks are short. We try to fill each day, weekend, month, and season with meaningful activities while also trying to survive. I just want to hit pause and soak up every second. These tiny people change so fast. They grow taller and leaner as their rolls melt away and their cheeks become more defined. Their hair grows longer and suddenly that baby has turned into a toddler and so on. The end of summer seems to signify a pretty big yearly milestone.
Even as I scroll through my social media feed, I see my friends’ and former co-workers’ kids. They are growing so fast and it’s another reminder of how quickly the years pass by.
Back to School = Party Time
On the flip side, I see other parents counting down the days until their kids go back to school. They’re excited for the routine that comes with the school year. It keeps their kids occupied and tired at the end of the day. Some are excited for their kids to be out of the house. Is it just me, or do kids behave better for anyone other than their own parents? Some look forward to getting some peace and quiet or having their home cleaner for longer than 5 minutes at a time. I know my kids thrive on a routine, so it makes sense that summer break does probably put kids into a bit of a tailspin.
As a working mom, I really do wonder WHAT I am going to do with my kids when they are no longer in daycare. In many instances, our society requires a double parent income, but it’s not always very accommodating.
Every season of parenthood seems to bring with it new challenges and conflicting emotions. Whatever stage you’re in, know you’re not alone. I salute you!
Back to School In Style
Looking to send your little one off to school in style? Check out some of our favorite back to school items.
About the Author
Julia joined Cotton Babies in 2016 as Executive Assistant to Jenn Labit. She’s the proud mama to a toddler and a baby. She and her husband also have 2 dogs, a cat, a turtle and a pet fish. Julia is a diehard Cardinals fan who loves spending time with her family, shopping, crafting, and binge-watching “The Office.”
Comments
Comments are closed here.