I'm fairly confident that as a mom, sending your first born to Kindergarten is a heart wrenching experience for most of us. I'm not quite there yet (we will be a year from now), but my eyes well up every time I think about it.
So what can you do to take your mind off all of the emotions that are running through you just before that first day of school starts? You can create some unforgettable memories for you and your child!
My friend Morgan had such a fun idea and I just had to share! Her daughter Paisley is starting Kindergarten today and in order to distract her mind leading up to the first day (and have a lot of fun in the process), she and Paisley did a "Countdown to Kindergarten." She had Paisley make a list of all the things she wanted to do before she started Kindergarten and she checked off as many as she possibly could.
 |
I'm using Morgan's Instagram snapshots because I love her captions. It's fun to think of this
from a child's perspective as well! |
I thought this was the most fun and sweet idea because they were able to relax and have some good Mother-daughter fun together (and Dad got in on some of the fun too!) On her "Countdown to Kindergarten" list were things like eat ice cream, go to the movies, have a pool day and ride the carousel. So Morgan made it happen!
When I asked Morgan about what gave her the idea and why she decided to round out the summer this way, she explained it in the sweetest way -
"Thinking about Kindergarten made my momma heart very sad. How did
my baby get to this point? And why did it happen so quickly?
And then there was my teacher brain telling me that she's ready for this!
She'll have reading goals to meet and sight words to learn and friends
to make and she'll be fine!
It still doesn't take away the nerves and the pain of sending your first,
and only, baby to Kindergarten!
So the week before school I decided to let her make a list. 'Make a list,
baby girl, and I'll be along for the ride!' I wanted the week before school to
be memorable for her (and me!) and carefree!
No rushing around getting school supplies (I went ahead and got those at the
beginning of the summer). This list has kept my mind distracted from
what's coming and it has made her excited for what's to come. I had her make
the list selfishly, for me, but I think this just might have to become a tradition."
I will definitely be doing this next year when it's time for Raley to get ready to go to Kindergarten. It puts a lump in my throat thinking about her being so big, but this "countdown to Kindergarten" will be a fun, light-hearted way to end the summer. Plus, I'm curious to see what will be at the top of her list a year from now!
Morgan, I know that Paisley had the best time with Momma this past week - what fun memories you will have to look back on! I also know that she is going to love Kindergarten...and that it will get better (it's got to, right?) My thoughts are with you today, and with all the other moms whose hearts are torn watching their babies walk into that big school! These kids are going to do some amazing things some day!
Let's chat!
I'd love to hear from you! What fun things do you do with your child at the end of the summer? What things would be on your child's "Countdown to Kindergarten" list?
You may also like:
Let's get social!
Labels: Back to school, children
