The First First Day of (Pre)School

I, like many of you, have been looking forward to this day and gaining anxiety about this day for months. The first, first day of school. Preschool in our case.

I am not by nature one of those moms that gets all choked up at milestones or my children growing up. I realize it is part of the process and I love the “older” years more than the “younger” years in general. I do know that will likely change as they grow closer and closer to leaving the nest. But for now, just note I am not the emotional mama.

But today marks a BIG milestone in our family career. BOTH kids are heading off to preschool for the very first time. This is a big step for us considering that for the last few years I was convinced I would homeschool my children. My oldest especially, he is 4. In fact, we did homeschool him for preschool last year.

What changed? In the spring we started talking about my personal time and personality and whether homeschooling was really a good fit. At the same time we had friends who were sending their kids to a local montessori school and loving it. And the more I learned about their montessori school, the more I became convinced that montessori would be a better fit for our eldest then homeschooling. At least at this stage. So we began researching and found a local school we fell in love with for him.

It turns out, that our daughter, although a bit young in age for the 3-6 year program was deemed emotionally and cognitively ready for the class and thus enrolled as well. So. I am now faced with sending my kids to preschool 5 days a week for half days for the first time.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I am excited for the “alone” time to accomplish some needed tasks and work but I am also certain that I will miss them as well. I am not the first mom who has gone through this transition and I would love to hear some of your thoughts on what helped you, things you wish you would have known during that transition and how I can help my kids make that transition easily?

I know it will be a great experience for us all and I am looking forward to hearing all of their great stories day in and day out about their adventures!