children, gratitude, kindergarten, mommyhood, parenting, self-discovery

The Kindergarten Blues

Yes, kindergarten is great.  In fact it is fantastic.

Full Speed is awarded a certificate for good behavior. Apparently when you adore kindergarten, you behave.

Then why do I feel so miserable?

Full Speed has said, and granted we are only on week two, that he ‘loves kindergarten’.

“Do you miss me when you are at school?” I ask him pointedly.

Nope,” is his concise and honest reply.

There is a tiny part of my fragile mommy-ego that is actually able to rejoice that ‘school is cool’ for Full Speed.  I can’t imagine how difficult it would be to send him if he was unhappy about it.

What gets me the most (like a dagger through my heart) is when I roll down the window and shout, “Have a great day, Full Speed,” and then he cheerfully replies, “you, too Mom!”  I can’t quite explain why I get so weepy about this.  It’s something about his smooth confidence and the way he commands the sidewalk as he marches to the door.  He looks so grown-up.  My heart becomes filled with pride, sadness and a longing for yesteryear.  From the outside all that is happening is kindergarten drop-off.  From my inside view, it is the beginning of Full Speed officially breaking free of me.

Once I put the tissues away (be kind and at least allow for another week), I will embrace this new phase and support Full Speed however I can.

Whether he misses me during the day or not.

Where did the time go, Full Speed???


2 thoughts on “The Kindergarten Blues”

  1. oh what a big boy! I am glad he is having such a great time as he goes off to school. He is showing so much confidence and that is fantastic. Mom you did such a great job look at him go. I can see how you must miss him so much as he leaves off to school. I remember when my mama would walk me to school and say bye. I was 5 and I remember her crying as I walked away and I hurried to leave so she would forget and stop crying. How funny is our logic when we are young?? He is sweet and you taught him all he knows!

    1. That is so cute how you used to hurry so your Mom could ‘forget’. That’s sweet.

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