Today was my little girl's first day of school.
This morning she cried. She begged me not to make her go. She threw her shoes across the room and then threw herself on her bed. I was stressed, anxious. I envisioned her throwing herself on the kindergarten classroom floor 2yr old style kicking and screaming at the top of her lungs. I sprouted another white hair, which really isn't fair, I'm too young for white hair!
I really didn't think it would work but wasn't sure what to do. I called her into my room and let her rummage around in my jewelry box. I told her she could pick whatever she wanted (after hiding a diamond bracelet), and could wear mama's jewelry to the first day of school. She picked this...
Not only that, but it was the most beautiful necklace in the entire world and all of her new friends would love it!
Do you ever have those moments where you feel like you are feeding your child a bunch of BS and they are going to call you on it? Of course I wanted her to feel that we were close to her, but wasn't sure she was going to buy my story. I waited with held breath.
She looked at me long and hard. I didn't breath. Then, the corners of her mouth started to turn and there was a smile!! A real smile! We wiped away the last of the tears and she promptly looked in the mirror and said "Mom, I kinda look like a princess, dontcha think?"
Well, of course!!
She went off to play and 20 mins later or so she brought me back this...
Melt my heart! So of course I am sporting my new bracelet and will never take it off!
She told me tonight that she made the bracelet for herself to finish off her outfit but it ended up too big so she gave it to me. Slightly crushing, but it remains on my wrist regardless. :)
Do you have a little one that started school for the first time this year? How did it go?
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Aww, that's such a cute story.
ReplyDeleteMy little girl went to school for the first time a couple of weeks ago. I was prepared for tears. I was prepared for drama. I was not prepared for a little girl who barely gave me a kiss, ran into the class room, sat down and didn't look back.
I waved in the doorway. She didn't see it.
When she came home she told me hundreds of excited stories about all the new friends she made, all the great things she learned and the games she played. She loves it. Every bit of it.
And I? I was the one shedding a tear. I love that she loves it, I wouldn't want it any way else and the fact that she has no problem saying goodbye is just a sign that she's ready for this. But still. My little girl is going to school now. *sigh*
OMG what a sweet story..
ReplyDeleteI'm having tears in my eyes...Hormons...
What a cute little girl you have and so beautifull.
That wil win over your heart.
Hope the next day of school is going better for you...hihi
That has to be the cutest story ever. My son will be going to his first day of school this up coming monday. Sadly, he fell sick and has been missing the first week of school. Knowing him, he is going to hop right in. I am terrified for him, I'm afraid he might getted bullied, of his getting his feelings hurt, of his trying to fit in when I love him for himself and he should too. But, what's a mom to do - just hope and pray and a few 'kiss it better' kisses on reserve.
ReplyDeleteI am a kindergarten teacher who has survived the first week of school! The book I read the first day is called The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn. It's about a raccoon who doesn't want to go to school so his mom kisses the palm of his hand and tells him that whenever he misses her he can just hold his hand up to his cheek and he will feel her kiss. He then opens his mother's hand and kisses her hand. Same principle as your story but in a book.
ReplyDeleteI was amazed how many parents were worried about their child's behaviour. Fortunately for me, I only had one child who is going to be a challenge.
A tip for parents with young ones starting kindergarten, please send shoes with your child that they can do up by themselves. As teachers we are alone and can't possibly tie 20 pairs of shoes. The same goes for clothes-no belts, snaps, buttons etc. unless your child can do them up by themselves. Your child may look cute but they are not learning independence or pride in what they can do. Sorry just a pet peeve of mine.
Christine,
ReplyDeleteI love your post today. I have to admit, I got a little teary. I taught kindergarten for 8 years. When my little girls were born, I knew that they had missed the cut off for starting K by 10 days. I was all in a tizy thinking I would try to push for them to go anyway. (This was while they were still new borns mind you!) As they got closer and closer to being 5 I realized that I was crazy to try to push them. They are very smart. (Yes, I know all moms think that.) They are ready academically but why not let them have another year of playing in preschool? They love it and it's only half day three days a week. So I have another year until they go to the "big school". I am not looking forward to it. I am expecting a scenario much like the first comment. They will be fine and I will be the one crying!
Aww that bracelet is the best! :D
ReplyDeleteMy little guy started pre-school this past week and I've had to leave him crying in the classroom and walk home with the baby with tears in my eyes. The teachers tell me that he is just fine about two minutes after I leave, but I still stress out (although I don't show him!)
It's starting to get better though and we all have to go through it. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story.
The necklace idea might is definitely a sparkle of mom-brilliance! Fabulous idea! I am sure that built up her self-confidence so much on such a difficult day.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet story! I hope she has a good day. Our grandson started to kindergarten this year, but he was more than ready to go. He is doing great.
ReplyDeleteSo sweet! Kids....they can bring out the best and the worst - all in a span of about.....30 seconds!! LOL!!
ReplyDeleteHow can we ever live without our DD~
ReplyDeleteOf course you are a princess, sweet heart! :)
I LOVE your shoes!! Don't you agree mom???? :)
I loved this post, but especially this line: "Do you ever have those moments where you feel like you are feeding your child a bunch of BS and they are going to call you on it? " So true! My son started first grade this year. He was very nervous/clingy the night before, but that has passed quickly. (today he threw a tantrum when my husband picked him up. So that's another problem....)
ReplyDeleteLoved the sweet sweet story and those shoes!
ReplyDelete