To the mom who goes to Back-to-School Night by herself and sees everyone else chatting,
To the mom who couldn’t attend because she was working long hours,
To the mom who feels out of place at a PTO meeting,
To the mom who wants to volunteer, but is too busy juggling a toddler,
To the mom who feels left out of the “cool” mom group,
To the mom who wants new friends but feels incredibly awkward,
To the mom who feels like she always sits alone,
You can sit at my table.
I am totally THAT mom.
Each year when I send my daughter off to her first day of school, it hurts.
Like physically, in my gut, hurts.
My breathing feels shallow.
My heart seems to skip beats.
My cheeks are hot and tingly.
Waves of nausea pass through my belly like the ocean when a storm is near.
In just a matter of days, my baby is going to become a kindergarten student. I cannot believe where the time has gone. I am still in a little bit of denial, as we still need to complete school supply and school clothes shopping. Maybe if I stick my fingers in my ears and say “la la la” loud enough, I won’t have to accept this inevitable truth.
Today on Parent.co I have shared a letter to my daughter about my thoughts and feelings on this huge milestone (for both of us). I hope you enjoy it. ♥
“To My Baby Girl, As She Begins Kindergarten”
Dear Daughter,
It’s hard for me to believe, but in a few short weeks you’ll be starting kindergarten. You’ll be packing up your little Pottery Barn Kids back pack and climbing the stairs onto the yellow school bus that will take you to your next big adventure.
I will not let you see it, but I am having a hard time. Mixed with the happiness I feel for you are pangs of sadness and nostalgia for times past.
You see, daughter, you are my baby. I know, I know. Baby brother is here now to take that title, and yes, you are a big girl. But, to me, you will always be a baby. My baby.
You are my first born. Many sleep deprived nights of new motherhood were spent rocking you. The first panicked call I made to the pediatrician was about you. My first time planning a preschool play date was with your best buddy. All your firsts are my firsts as a mommy.
Now, as we prepare for the big day, I am also thinking about all the new firsts to come…
To read the rest of my letter, please visit Parent.co here.