I officially signed my daughter up for kindergarten I’m excited and also scared about it. Is all these emotions normal?
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Yes. Very normal! Especially if she’s your first child going. I cried when both my kids started kindy and I’ve cried every first day since. My eldest is starting high school this year and I’m so scared and excited for him. It’s very normal but try to wait till she’s in the classroom or she might cry too but I promise all teachers are prepared for anything.
Has she not been to daycare or preschool? Then it’s perfectly normal. Both my kids were fine going to daycare but I cried. Other moms asked what was wrong and the daycare lady said “first time mom” and they all nodded in understanding.
Just make the handoff brisk and positive and then go and cry in your car or home. Don’t show your anxiety or she will become fearful for no reason. Even if she cries at school it won’t be for long.
She’ll have fun, learn lots, make new friends and develop social skills. Be prepared for her to have homework. If she doesn’t have certain skills yet, don’t worry, she’ll catch up to the other kids quickly. And though we frequently hear horror stories on the news, it’s news because it’s so rare. The vast majority of teachers and other school workers are awesome.
Be prepared for her to need some time to adjust when you pick her up or meet her bus. It will be emotional for her reuniting with you so she may not want to hug you or talk right away—or she won’t stop talking!
You’ll have many such parting times in your life so buck up. The best cure is to have activities of your own, be it a job, volunteering, hobbies, classes or even running for office! Have an identity outside of wife and mom so you have another focus and don’t live only through your child.
Be sure you have your own income and money, and develop your skills so if you’re ever on your own you can make it. If you’re not already employed, now that she’s in school it might be a good time to earn some money while she’s away, or do some volunteer work that could add to your resume.
You’ll both get used to the new normal and be just fine!