Dear Kiddos On Your First Day of School
Are we ready for the 2020 school year to start? Especially this type of school year with so many unknowns? I think I am ready and I think my kids are ready. Or at the very least we are going to try our best to look and act prepared for anything this term!
Dear 7th Grader-
Wow. Just wow! How are you in seventh grade? COVID-19 and quarantine has been hard these past few months, but the plus side was that I got you to myself for more hours than usual and I relished the time.
You have grown and matured a lot. I can hardly keep up with you in height and brains. Please do not hold it against me too much when I nag. It is difficult to remember you are growing up and will want to do things at your own pace. It is even harder to understand that your pace is sometimes set at pre-teen sloth mode and my cattle-prod mom mode is kryptonite to you.
I am thankful for the in-class school option during this pandemic. The mask will cover your face, but not your spirit or determination. Work hard, have fun, and most important of all…come home and tell me all about it because I want to hear it all. Even when I seem too distracted by your three younger siblings, I am here for you. Always.
Love, Mom.
Dear 4th Grader-
Good-bye elementary building and hello big kid school. It still makes me sad that you did not get the third grade send-off you deserved due to COVID-19. Yet, you and I only grumbled a little. Since we are both middle children, I think that screams volumes about how well we are doing at being more pleasant and positive.
I will probably tell you “good luck” in 4th grade, but you out of all my kiddos do not need luck. You have always been so self-assured and you go with the flow. Sure things bug you, but you rebound like no other. I need to learn from you and so do all of the politicians on this planet.
If I could have one wish for you this year, it would be to not change too much. My heart and my sanity need you to continue to stay level-headed, friendly, and kind. Keep up that empathetic nature. It is the fatal flaw of middle children who need things to be fair constantly. Empathy is also the greatest gift you can give to your peers.
When I look at you and your sister and brothers, I know I am doing something right as a mom. Thank you for that little bit of peace in an insanely chaotic world.
Love, Mom
Dear 1st Grader-
Oh boy, oh boy, you are sure moving up in the world fast. This school year is going to look a lot different versus the start of last year. I hope you can view it as an engaging experience and not a constant challenge.
You are all boy and have such a knack for resisting, but dig deep little one and embrace the sweet core that I know is inside of you. Listen, listen, listen. It is a trait that will make you a better student, spouse, employee, and all around human. Also, if you have to be aggressive, channel that energy into hand washing and sanitizing.
Smile that toothy grin as often as possible and come home to me with your arms open for a hug. Social distancing mandates will not keep me from throwing my arms around you.
Love, Mom
Dear Preschooler-
Gulp, gulp, gulp. Is it going to happen? Twice a week preschool will be a big step for you and your thumb-sucking ways. I keep telling myself that you are ready and that I am ready, but who are we kidding? I will probably never be fully prepared for you to be at school.
You are the baby and fit every single stereotype that comes with that title. Preschool will be good for you and for me. I cannot wait for you to explode with knowledge about numbers, letters, shapes, and rules associated with staying in line and sitting on the rug.
Spreading your wings a bit at preschool is going to be a good thing. Right?
But I will miss you. Thank goodness for our dog and my freelance writing work. Both will distract me while you are busy making new friends and becoming independent.
Love you little one and great job potty training!
Love, Mom
What are you telling your children this year regarding the first day of school? Family Footnote wants to know! Leave a comment or send us a message on Facebook or Twitter (@FamilyFootnote).