I walked my oldest to school for the last time. I would be lying if I said I didn’t a lump in my throat. I’m pretty sure her first day of Kindergarten was last year. I guess it just feels like it was. We’ve been so fortunate to live within walking distance to our elementary school. It was comforting knowing my kids were less than 5 minutes away on foot while they were at school.
Next year I’m sending my oldest off to middle school. It’s the same middle school I went to as a kid. I have horrifying memories of the things that went down in the bathrooms, and behind the field in a grove of trees (which no longer exist). I just can’t imagine my sweet little innocent child in that kind of environment. I’ve officially become one of those moms that is afraid to let her child go out into the world. I’m working on it. Until then I’m going to enjoy the long summer days ahead.
Hi Julie. Gorgeous photos! You’re not alone in feeling nervous about sending your sweet girl off to the scary land of middle school. The great thing is that you can get to know her friends and teachers there, and the families of her friends. You can prep her about what may or may not show up in the bathrooms, and open the door for her to let you know what’s going on around her. Using what “other kids are doing” is a great way in. You sound like the type of mom who can set her up for success and open the door for conversations about anything and everything. Think about what conversations may have helped you back in the day–or what factors made those conversations unbearable or impossible. Even if she starts to pretend she doesn’t, she still needs you A LOT!!!
Thank you Joanna for your kind words. I know she’ll be fine, and she’s ready. I’m just a worry wart. Everything you said is so true. Thank you.