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Cherishing Our Moments Before My Eldest Begins Kindergarten
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Cherishing Our Moments Before My Eldest Begins Kindergarten
by Julia Carter
April 25, 2023
It didn’t hit me until I picked up the phone. “Hi, um, I need to register my daughter for kindergarten this fall. Can you tell me what steps I need to take?”
Suddenly, it all became real. This is it. The final months I have my daughter at home before she embarks on her educational journey. By September, she’ll be stepping onto the school bus, leaving my care to the capable, nurturing hands of her new teachers.
She’ll meet a mix of peers, some friendly and others not-so-kind, and I won’t be there to shield her from life’s harsh realities or to celebrate her victories. The responsibility of her well-being will shift away from me.
The thought is daunting. Although being a stay-at-home mom isn’t my favorite role, I’ve enjoyed being there for her whenever she needed me, having a semblance of control over our daily lives. But now, as school looms closer, structure will become essential. I’ve become accustomed to our carefree, spontaneous days, and that freedom is about to change.
Yet, a part of me is excited for this new chapter. My daughter, a true social butterfly, is buzzing with anticipation. It’s a significant milestone, and I know it will help her flourish. But until that transition occurs, we’re going to savor these last few months together.
If she wants to lounge in her pajamas until noon, we’ll do just that. A matinee of the latest animated movie? Absolutely! Late-night cuddles, since there’s no rush in the morning? Yes, please!
I realize that the world won’t end when she boards that bus for the first time, but this phase of our life together is drawing to a close, and that realization stings. I want to cherish her presence while I still can.
I want to indulge in playing dolls, hosting tea parties, and letting her dress up. I want her to relish her childhood, believing it will last forever. The education system has become more demanding for young children compared to when I was in school. Therefore, until the day arrives filled with No. 2 pencils and backpacks, I want her to enjoy as much freedom as possible. I want to share those joyful moments with her.
My baby girl, my firstborn, is maturing. I’m not quite prepared for it, and I’ll likely be a complete mess on her first day, but until then, I’m committed to embracing our laid-back lifestyle for as long as we can. I’ll say “yes” to playing together. I’ll say “yes” to reading her favorite story one more time. I’ll say “yes” to another episode after her little brother falls asleep and she cuddles up on my lap. It’s the least I can do because I know I’ll miss her presence dearly.
Starting school marks the beginning of her journey toward independence and autonomy, where she will no longer rely solely on my guidance. Everything will change from this point on. While I still have her by my side, I’m going to shower her with love and attention so she knows she’s cherished, strong, and capable of achieving anything she desires. And at the end of the day, no matter where her journey takes her, her mom will always be there.
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Summary:
As my daughter prepares to start kindergarten, I’m reflecting on our final months together. While the transition to school brings a mix of excitement and anxiety, I’m determined to cherish our time. I want to create lasting memories before she embarks on her journey toward independence, and I’ll embrace every moment of our carefree days.
