Learning to Let Go

The school year is in full swing, and whether you are a stay at home parent or working parent the start of the school year has undoubtedly led to changes and adjustments all around.

we spoke with some parents who have just sent sending their last child off to school.  This week we talk to some who are sending their first (or only) child off to school for the first time.

Next week, we’ll talk to some working parents who are taking a deep sigh of relief that the madness of summer scheduling is over and the school routine has begun.

Part 2:  Sending the first (or only) child to school for the first time.

Patch.com:  So how did it feel to send your child off to school, into the care of someone else for the first time?

L.B., Oella Mom: Sending my child off to school has been a life changing experience for me as well as for him. We are both learning to be without the other, experiencing some feelings of sadness and loss.  

I am a bit surprised at how much for me. It is just the beginning of the countless "letting go" moments which lie ahead when you are a Mom. I am embracing it in a positive way although I am not sure it gets any easier.  

I am so happy for my son to experience independence and success at school. I want him to thrive while developing a lifetime love of learning and adventure.  

K.H., Ellicott City Mom: I was surprised at how easy it was for my daughter to walk into that classroom, away from me. I had never left her with anyone other than family before! She surprised me with her confidence and that made me feel much better.

I felt a bit lost without her when I left the school, but I had to get my newborn home and down for a nap. Only after that was I able to sit and think for a few minutes. I miss having her around a lot, and it’s strange to have her come home singing songs I don’t even know. The reality is that now other people are influencing her behavior, thoughts and development, and that freaks me out a bit.

Patch.com:  What are you doing with your new-found freedom?

K.H.: I’m not in freedom mode yet because I have a newborn. But I love that I have a bit of private time with the baby.

L.B.: For me, I am catching up on doctor’s appointments and various chores made easier without a toddler in tow. Also, I am doing some serious soul searching in order to create a new path for myself (one to the gym would be good too!). In a way, my son and I are both on a path of self-discovery which is exciting and even a bit daunting. It is time for me to remember who I was before he was born, who I have become since he arrived and reinvent myself into the best self I can be.  I look forward to my new adventure and the bonus? I get to be along for my son's life adventure too!

Patch.com: Do you see any difference in your child since he or she started school? Or even any difference in how you interact with him or her?

L.L., Ellicott City Mom: I’m finding that my child is very tired after school, so we are doing a lot less of the “fun” things we used to do together, and that bothers me. I know it’s temporary. He will adjust to the school routine and we will learn to plan more for the days he isn’t in school.  But I wasn’t expecting that!

K.H.: She suddenly seems so grown up! In just a few short weeks her language has improved and she’s better behaved at home. Sending her to preschool was something I felt trepidation about. I didn’t want to let her go. But it’s been great for all of us. 

Next installment: Working parents weigh in on the struggles they face during the summer when their children are out of school.