How did you get through your first born's first day of Kindergarten?

Question

I just feel sick. I'm afraid he's going to get lost or the kids will be mean to him or he'll be scared all day...

Answer 1

My first child, I was feeling down all day.  I was afraid he wouldn't like it and be unhappy all day (I was COMPLETELY wrong, he didn't want to leave his class after school the first day, lol).

My second child, I was relieved when he started.  He is my wild child, he loves to socialize and have a good time. I needed a break, lol.

My third, and youngest, child, my good friend (who's last child was also in the class) and I went out for a nice, quiet, mommy only lunch.  I missed my daughter, but was happy to see her becoming a student.

Answer 2

When ever we reach any milestone moment in any of my children's lives, I try and remember that I am lucky my children are able to learn and grow and do all these wonderful things.  I know a person who has a son in his 20's.  He is mentally and physically at the stage of a 6 month old! She will have her baby for life, but she will never get to experience all the wonderful things I will with my children.  Letting go is hard, but I am glad that I am able too!!  

Answer 3

I had another child at the time my first born went to kindergarten so I stayed busy with the second child. I was teary eyed the first day, but I knew I had to suck it up and not let my emotions be seen by my child because it would probably make him feel aprehensive. So its best to not show emotion in front of your child unless its excitement and happiness so your child will hopefully feel this way. My second child just started pre-school and I felt even more nervous her going to school than I did with my first. But I showed how happy I was that she was going to school so she wouldn't feel so scared.  

Answer 4

I went to work.

Never seen what the big deal was - by that age my kids had been to playgroup , to nursery, to friend's houses and parties... they were really looking forward to school, and they loved it.

Answer 5

I felt the same way with my kids but I found that it was me who was more nervous about school than my kids!  They loved going and after a week or so I got used to it and was fine.  Try not to worry....your son will be fine.  Just don't let your nervousness and fear show otherwise he may get anxious about school as well.

Answer 6

I know it's scary. My youngest starts school tomorrow and unlike with my older daughter I am feeling sad. Not for her, but for myself. The older one was easier to let go of because I still had the baby with me, but tomorrow, I'm going to be alone for the first time in 7 years.

BUT, I know she will return to me in a few hours, just like my oldest did and I know how good school will be for her. Try to put it in terms of how school is going to be such a benefit for him, it will make you feel better about it.

Honestly, at the age he is at, kids just don't have mean bones in their bodies, everything is new and exciting for them and your son will do beautifully!

No matter what though, and I really want to stress this to you because it is SO important. Never let him know your fears or reservations and NEVER let him see you cry. If he knows that you are upset he will think school is a bad place and he will be afraid. Talk it up to him, tell him how great it's going to be, if you can convince him, you can also kind of convince yourself too. The first day is the hardest! But just think, once you get over it and find yourself alone with some free time that you haven't had in a while, you are going to love the time when he is in school!

Good luck!

ETA:Dont worry about him getting lost either. Most schools assign the kindergarteners a 5th grade "buddy" to help them out. If he has to go to the nurse, the buddy will come and take him. It's great because the older kids become a special friend and really look out for the little ones. My oldest loved her buddy, she talked about her all the time. The buddies also came to the classrooms at times during the year and did activities with the little ones, like helped write their letters to Santa and things like that, it was so sweet. All the moms even got special letters from the buddies at the end of the year about their experiences with our kids. You don't need to be afraid that he wont be taken care of in school, he will be, by everyone!

Answer 7

I cried all day...lol. . he of course was fine.. I walked him into class ( most classmates where in preschool with him so he knew the kids) he just took off with friends and waved bye to me.. I just got teary eyed and had to leave... when he got home from school he was SO excited to tell me about his day. I wasn't afraid of the other kids being mean it was just facing the fact he is growing up

Answer 8

Today is my daughters first day of school as well. I know I was way more worried that she was about it. I think I am afraid to lose my "baby"!!! But you have to let go sometime right?  :(

I'm sure that they will be just fine and really excited to share everything they learned with us tonight. Good luck!  

Answer 9

My dad's terrible when it comes to us going to school. He's a Colonel in the USAF so he tries to put up a tough front but we can all tell that he's trying not to cry.

With my older brother Jack, I wouldn't know. He's 28 and also in the Air Force so I wasn't even born when he was in kindergarten.

With me, my mom and dad took me in and I remember my mom looking so sad I thought she was going to break down there and then. After that I didn't want to go for the first day because I was worried about her, so make sure your son doesn't see you like that. Pretend to be as happy as I'm sure he'll be!

With my baby sister Grace, who just started last week, my dad and me took her in- our mom died when Grace was 2. She cried her poor little eyes out but after the first day, she couldn't wait to go back. My dad missed her no end and couldn't wait to hear all about her day.

Trust me, the kids won't be mean. Every kid in Grace's class was just adorable and all just wanted to play. They don't know how to be mean at that age. Once he gets going and makes friends, no way will he be scared. He won't get lost either. I think one of the other people may have said so, but anyway, the kindergarteners are usually assigned someone to watch out for them. They get taken everywhere and there is no possible way they can get lost.

Just wait until he's gone and you're over your sadness. You'll love all the peace and quiet!

Good luck for you and your son!