We are often told that motherhood has no manual. However, it seems that every time we get comfortable, there is a big change around the corner. As if transitioning our children to preschool isn’t challenging enough, then they grow up and move on to Elementary School!
Preschool…
I can still remember taking my son to preschool for the first time. He was an extremely happy boy heading out the door for his 4 hours of fun with the company of his binky.
I had absolute confidence in the preschool staff and program. I always knew Pedro was in a loving and caring environment. Key Biscayne Presbyterian School was like a second home to my son. Each and every one of the staff felt like family to him. I felt that too. The preschool was big enough to meet all the needs of over 100 boys and girls, yet it was still very easy to find your way around. As the four years of preschool flew by, so did my fears.
Then came Elementary School…
Elementary School Orientation was an hour of overwhelming information, tips and advice. Pedro, his father and I left the meeting quite disoriented. This particular public school has 1000 students! The place is huge!
Each one of the staff members we met were amazing. They were always caring and welcoming but, I kept asking myself, “Am I prepared to leave my child in such a big, unfamiliar place?” As a mother I know that he is not a little boy anymore and he needs to be challenged. But I still feel that he is my baby boy! (Please tell me I am not the only one who feels this way?!)
Over the past few weeks we have talked a lot about his feelings. I have asked him how he feels about the new school and he has told me he is nervous. He was concerned about not being able to find his way back from class on the first day of school. We have hugged a lot after every conversation. I have tried to answer all of his questions and comfort him as much as I can. He seems to be happy and prepared for the first day of this new era.
In all honesty, I only hope to become as ready as he is before the end of his school year!
