The first day of kindergarten can be an emotional rollercoaster for parents, but the subsequent first days? Not so much.
If you’ve ever watched your little one head off to their very first day of kindergarten, you know the mix of joy and anxiety that comes with it. It’s a bittersweet moment as you realize they’re no longer your tiny baby. However, once that initial shock wears off, every first day of school that follows becomes a cakewalk compared to that first milestone.
One mom captured this hilarious evolution in a viral video that many parents can relate to. Jessica Reed, who runs the popular blog “Just Jess,” shared a video on social media last week that shows her emotional breakdown on her child’s first day of kindergarten, followed by a starkly different reaction in later school years.
Jessica explained to Today that she created the video as a lighthearted nod to all her friends sending their kids to school for the first time. “Last year, I was a total wreck when my daughter started kindergarten, and now my friends are experiencing the same chaos!”
The video begins with Jessica dramatically exclaiming, “She’s not ready! I need to go get her!” As she lists all the things her daughter might not know, including, “She’s just 5!” it’s clear these feelings are relatable. She worries that her child’s teacher won’t understand her need for “14 hugs every hour!”
All of these concerns are entirely valid. Jessica humorously ponders how she’ll fill her day without her daughter around, anticipating a long wait where she’ll just count the seconds until they’re together again. There’s even a moment where she jokes about still being a bit attached, likening it to an umbilical cord—yikes, but hey, it’s a big deal!
Fast forward to the subsequent first days of school, and the scene shifts dramatically. Now, Jessica is all dressed up, looking fabulous, and her car stereo is blasting upbeat tunes as she drives away from school. She takes a call and casually agrees to go for a manicure and possibly even a spontaneous trip to Vegas.
While the video may be exaggerated, it rings true for many parents. The anxiety of sending your child to “real” school for the first time is intense. The transition to kindergarten is significant, and watching your child grow can be tough.
You may find yourself sobbing on the couch during those early kindergarten days, but fast forward a few years and you’ll be cheering as they hop onto the bus, practically dancing back to your now peaceful home. Yes, you love your children, but the panic of wondering if they’re lost or lonely in school fades away. As summer ends and school begins, a sense of calm returns to your universe.
So, for all you first-time kindergarten parents out there, take heart—it does get easier, we promise! Like, a whole lot easier!
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Summary
The emotional journey of parents during their child’s first day of kindergarten is intense, filled with worries and nostalgia. However, subsequent first days of school bring a lighter, more carefree attitude as parents adjust to their growing children. The transition from kindergarten to later years reveals a shift from anxiety to celebration, showing that parenting evolves over time.