First Day of School

Many of you know me, I'm the Marketing Manager for Kidzola. I do most of the writing for the company, I'm it's "voice" if you will. I'm also a Mom. I have two children. One is going to be 4, one will be 2. My daughter started PreK on this beautiful day here in New York.

Her starting school has brought about many mixed emotions for me. I'm sad, yet excited for my daughter as she starts her first day of PreK. It did not go well when I dropped her off. She was good, went on the potty when we got there, talked to some of the teachers, showed them her Barbie she named Tori, after the lead character on Victorious. Then Mommy told her it was time for me to go. She gave me a kiss, a hug and then the tears started. I told her I'd be back soon with Daddy and her little brother to pick her up, but she had to stay and get to know everyone. I offered to get her photo album so she could show Miss Katie and Miss Barbara her family. She said now and grabbed for my hand with each step I took toward the door. Would not let me leave. Followed me out.

I picked her up, brought her to the window and told her I'd wave from the other side, but she had to stay. This was part of being a big girl and the big sister. I sat her down at the table by the window, walked toward the door and there she was, out the door with me. Coaxing her back in was not happening, so I picked her up again, put her back in the chair and told the teachers they'd have to just keep her in there, because she'll follow me. She's my best buddy.

So the head teacher stepped in and made sure I could leave. Picked her up and I waved from the window when I got outside, watching her cry and reach for me. Surprisingly, I did not cry. I just blew kisses and waved and yelled "I'll be back soon to get you. Mommy always comes back!" And off I went, called my husband to let him know it wasn't our best showing, but she'll be fine and that I was on my way home.

Here I am, home and still not feeling like I need to cry. I just want to be positive and keep it that way, so maybe, by some miracle, she feels the calmness and the positivity wafting her way.....and it is helping. I know she'll be fine, she has a great set of teachers, an amazing group of kids in the classroom - I mean, so friendly and sweet.

What made me feel better about the whole thing, she wasn't the only one upset. I just didn't want her to be the only one who acted like that. And she wasn't, so I felt better. Like she wasn't totally alone......someone else had separation anxiety. Perhaps the little boy and her will be friends bonded by this anxiety they both have? Regardless, I know she's not a freak of nature, that this happens to a lot of kids and all of them end up being totally fine! Especially when there are amazing teachers to guide them.

Now, what's your story of your child's first day of school? How did you kid handle it? How did you handle it? Any advice for Moms and Dads? Little brothers or sisters who are left at home, without their school age sibling? We've got a lot of parents out there who need the support, let's share!!!