First Day Jitters

Many parents are dropping their children off at school for the very first time this week.  Parents or kids and sometimes even both, are very nervous.  Many questions may run through mom and dad's minds.  Did I choose the right school? Is the teacher the right fit for my child?  Did I prepare my baby well enough for this big day?  And a million other questions.

When I was a teacher, I remember parents dropping off their little ones.  The hardest was when the child was crying and the mom didn't want to leave a sad kiddo behind.  As a teacher, I reassured mom that their baby was in good hands and that once they left, it would be easier for their child to get acquainted.  And the child will learn that mom and dad are returning soon.

In my experience, the child eventually stopped crying, started interacting with new friends, and really enjoyed themselves.  And then mom would return to a happy child.  The cycle usually repeated itself for the first week or so.

Back then, I wasn't a parent.  And I promised myself I would never be that mom.  I would be brave, encourage my baby, give a big hug and promise to be back soon.  Then I would walk away and blow kisses good-bye.  Back then, I didn't really understand how difficult it could be.  I didn't know what it was really like to be a mommy.  Back then, I didn't know it was possible to love someone so much.

My baby girl is only 8, almost 9 months old.  So I'm not quite worried about her first day of school yet.  (Okay, I admit it, I'm worried.)  But this past Sunday, I dropped Baby C off in childcare at church for the very first time.  This was the first time she was with a stranger.  The first time she has been surrounded by people we didn't know.  And I experienced the first day jitters.

I guess this was a baby step to her big, first day of school.  I was only down the hall, only left her for an hour and I had a personal number that would pop up on the screen if anything was wrong.  And when we returned to pick her up, she was as happy as could be.  The nursery worker was holding and playing with her.  The nursery worker also told me how much fun Baby C had.  I was a proud mommy!  Proud of myself and proud of her.

To all the moms and dads out there, leaving their baby at school (or the nursery) for the first time, best of luck!  You can do it!

God Bless Our Kids!

We pray for God's protection, As our children go to school.
Help them to remember To obey the Golden Rule.

As they pledge their allegiance May they understand,
The stars and stripes are symbols Of God's blessing on our land.

We ask for good direction. Guide them as they grow.
When they face temptation Give them power to say, "No!"

Give us strength, as parents, To be what we should be.
There is nothing more important Than a healthy family tree.

~~Written by Peter Enns ©2002