Do you have a kid starting kindergarten this year? You’re probably on an emotional roller coaster. Mom’s emotions about kindergarten are crazy – let’s commiserate.
I don’t know about you, but I was not expecting to feel the universe of emotions about my oldest kid starting kindergarten. But here we are on the doorstep of this milestone, and I am all over the place. Even as I’m feeling all the feels, though, I’m trying to keep it together. I really don’t want to pass my crazy emotions to my kid. I want him to be excited, full stop.
That leads me to the purpose of today’s post: commiseration. I usually try to be helpful in my posts on this blog, but today, I just want to channel all of this mom’s emotions about kindergarten into a single place and hopefully let other moms going through the same transition know they’re not alone. So, maybe it will be helpful to a few of you.
Mom’s Emotions about Kindergarten
Excitement
Like I said, I want my kid to be feeling excitement and excitement only about going to kindergarten. And, in all honesty, excitement tops the list of this mom’s emotions about kindergarten. At least most of the time.
Why?
I mean, it’s so fun to watch my kids grow, so I love it when they learn new things or get to do new things. I have never been the mom who dwells on what I’m losing when my kids exit one stage and enter another. My focus has always been on what we are starting rather than what we are ending. I absolutely feel that way about starting kindergarten. What will the elementary years hold? Honestly, who knows? But I can’t wait to find out!
Nervousness
When I’m not feeling excited about my son starting kindergarten, the next most common emotion, for me, is nervousness. I think every mom’s emotions about kindergarten include nervousness. Sure, it’s exciting sending your kid off on a new adventure, but it’s also a little scary. I can’t possibly be the only mom who has that Frozen song “Into the Unknown” on constant repeat in her head.
Why?
What I’m nervous about runs the gamut. Of course, I’m nervous about the larger questions like how he will do and whether he’ll make friends. But I’m also nervous about seemingly ridiculous things about him starting kindergarten like the bus. You see, I never rode a school bus. I went to a small Catholic school from kindergarten through 12th grade. Although there was a bus, it was expensive to ride and traipsed over a three-county area. We lived 10 minutes from the school and my mom worked there until I was in 6th grade, so the bus just never made sense. My kid is going to a public school, where the bus is the default mode of transportation. I have no idea what to expect from the bus – getting on, riding it, getting off – so I’m nervous. If you have any tips about putting your kid on the school bus, I’m all ears!
I’m also really nervous about the change to our routine that will come with kindergarten. I’ve been very used to a daycare schedule that lets me drop off early, pick up late, and isn’t closed for random teacher workdays or minor holidays. The public school schedule will force me to be lighter on my feet and more flexible with work and with my free time. This is daunting to me, and I’m nervous about it. I also still have a kid in daycare and I’m the sole parent in the mornings 95% of the time, so my chauffeur era starts now. I just hope I’m not late more than I am late. That’s a pretty low bar I’ve set for myself.
Joy
Next up on the list of this mom’s emotions about kindergarten is joy. Yes, I’m happy that my kid is starting kindergarten. The joy I’m feeling is definitely tied to the excitement I’m feeling, so it’s hard to really say where excitement ends and joy begins. What I do know is that there’s both there, simultaneously.
Why?
I think the pure joy comes when I see just how excited my son is to start kindergarten. I’m so happy that he feels ready to take on a new adventure. I guess I’ve done something right as a parent, at least.
Sadness
Even though my emotions about my son starting kindergarten are heavily skewed toward the positive, I do admit that I feel a twinge of sadness about it. But I think it’s totally normal for mom’s emotions about kindergarten to include sadness.
Why?
It’s the end of era, and one you can’t get back. It’s OK to be a little sad about that. Take some time and grieve it. Grieve whatever it is that you loved most about your kid being little. Is it their reliance on you? The time you got to spend with them? The freedom that daycare provided? Whatever it is, honor it, but don’t dwell on it. You’ve got other emotions to feel, mom!
Gratitude
A list of mom’s emotions about kindergarten wouldn’t be complete without gratitude. I hate to get all maudlin, but not everyone gets to send a kid to kindergarten. If you do, you should feel grateful for the opportunity.
Why?
Your kid gets to learn all kinds of new things. From tying his shoes to reading to song lyrics you wished he didn’t learn. And he gets to teach you things through this process too! Science facts you knew once but long forgot, new math, and how to put yourself out there to make friends. Don’t forget just how special it is to get a front row seat to your kid’s growth. I know it’s hard to remember that sometimes, but it’s so important!
Other Posts
I’m tapped out thinking about my emotions for the day, and I bet you are too. Reintroduce some fluff to your life with these posts:
I hope you enjoyed this brief little post all about one mom’s emotions about kindergarten. If you’re in the same boat, what emotions are you feeling? Please share below or over on Instagram @sarainseason.