As an elementary counselor I would position myself outside the kindergarten room on the first day of school to help out with the criers and those who had a hard time letting go - more often than not it wasn't the kiddo but the parents. Tears would fall, they would linger unable to say goodbye and generally make it harder on the kid (and teacher!). Each time I walked a parent out I told myself that I wouldn't be a clinger when I became a mom.
Fast forward a few years to yesterday when I had to drop Tegan off at "baby school" (basically daycare, they like the start school early here) for the first time. I took her in and was greeted at the door by 3 women - her teacher, the owner and a coordinator. After giving them her info the principal turned to me and said, "she's okay now, we will take it from here". I got the hint - go now before its harder for everybody - because I've used those same words to other parents. So I kissed Tegan goodbye and walked bravely to the car. I saved my tears for the drive to school. Now I understand what Jeremiah's felt since she was only a few days old and he had to go back to work!
Fast forward a few years to yesterday when I had to drop Tegan off at "baby school" (basically daycare, they like the start school early here) for the first time. I took her in and was greeted at the door by 3 women - her teacher, the owner and a coordinator. After giving them her info the principal turned to me and said, "she's okay now, we will take it from here". I got the hint - go now before its harder for everybody - because I've used those same words to other parents. So I kissed Tegan goodbye and walked bravely to the car. I saved my tears for the drive to school. Now I understand what Jeremiah's felt since she was only a few days old and he had to go back to work!
This week she's mastered bringing her hands together and playing with them,
and of course trying to get both in her mouth at the same time!
Those first few months are brutal! It gets better, I promise!! And then they become little socialites and you become so boring they'd rather be there than home cause it keeps them so busy!
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