Reflections on the First Day of Kindergarten

It’s been one of those milestone types of weeks. My little guy started kindergarten this past Tuesday.

As I stood on the precipice of my son’s new, exciting life, I had a serious mix of emotions in front of those big elementary school doors, while carrying his Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles backpack for him.

I thought about my first day of kindergarten way back when, and how exciting it all was. Then I looked at him and saw that same thrill and anticipation. I remembered him as a little baby, even the moment I held him for the very first time. I looked into his eyes that blustery December day nearly six years ago, and whispered to him that I would always be there to protect him.

But, he was about to enter through those doors where I wouldn’t exactly be able to do that anymore. If he gets into a scuffle with another kid, or if he feels confused, or even gets hurt on the playground, I can’t be there [right away] to scoop him up, to comfort and reassure him-to hold him tight and tell him it will all be alright.

I have to let him go, just a little. And that is the one thing that really got me.

Now back to his excitement. It’s representative of the rub of [good] parenting. We need to teach our children to embrace change and be resilient-truly valuable traits to possess in this, at times, uncontrollable world. But that means they will run happily away from you, as you stay back knowing that they must move forward to grow and thrive to hopefully succeed in life.

I was, in the end, excited for his new adventure. He’s going to learn things I can’t teach him, have valuable experiences, make new friends, find out what he loves or doesn’t love, and quite possibly develop passions that will in turn, shape the man he will someday become.

In the end, I was happy that he eagerly passed through those doors, as I quietly shed a tear knowing that my little man is starting the journey to grow away from me, though ever-so-slighly for 2.5 hours a day. I was proud for him, and proud for me, as his Mom.

I just want him to remember those lessons and all that guidance I worked to instill in him in the five plus years I’ve blessed to have him close(er) by me. To say please, and thank you, be kind and respectful - and be the little gentleman I have consistently encouraged him to be.

My final analysis, it’s simply time to let go-just a little.