Hello!

Well, my daughter is not 13, but when she first went to pre-school, I was the one who took her that first week. And I would have to say that she was very upset, and I guess I would have to say from a fathers perspective, I shed some tears myself!

Hey girl, my baby (I mean “big boy”) started Kindergarten last week so I can definitely relate. He is also 4 (will turn 5 next month) and was just as strong as your little one was. Actually, the first day for him was only 1/2 day…..and he didn’t want to leave. The second day was only for “testing”, and since he had already tested, he didn’t have to go (bummer for him as well). But last Thursday was his first full day!!! And boy did he enjoy it. He has been going to daycare/preschool since he was a baby (yes, both dad & I both work) so he was pretty used to “going to school”. But we’ve been “playing up” the idea of Kindergarton & “big school” for a while to give him something to look forward to. His teacher sent home a note in his Conduct Report (yeah….they get grades for conduct…but that’s another story) and said he’s adjusting nicely. He’s already made a new friend, which I’m sure your’s has or will as well. I will have to say, though, that the reality of it didn’t hit me until I was driving to work the first full day after drop off. As weird as it may be, I actually think it was a bit harder on me because it WAS so easy for him…..GO FIGURE! Hope this helps……it was nice to share that with someone else going through the same thing….GOOD LUCK to you and your little man

Even though I don’t have any children, I hope you made sure that this preschool or kindergarten has a good reputation and a good history. Yes, letting your “baby” kid walk off to their first day with out you is obviously difficult, but it is equally (or even more important) to assure yourself that your child will be protected at all times, fed healthy foods, and the teachers (or caregivers) will respect your children and never harm them. If you want information about your particular preschool or kindergarten, search it on line (the city or district websites might be helpful) and go directly to the principle (or person in charge) and don’t be afraid to ask any/all questions you have. At all times, parents have the responsibility to assure their child’s security.

Btw, don’t worry too much that he said that and “walked off”… some kids cry and some are excited to be challenged in “real school” rather than a day care center. 🙂

Hope this helps!

My neighbor’s older child (Shannon) was a little nervous her first day. But the younger one (Allison), who had watched her big sister go to school everyday, was so excited that she (Allison) couldn’t wait to start school. On Allison’s first day, she just said, “bye” and ran to play with the toys and other kids.

Younger siblings seem better prepared for preschool. It’s like they know exactly what to expect.

My older brother was nervous when he first started school. I was very excited and happy when I finally got to go to school.

My older son has been sort of ok…he hasn’t cried but he begs me not to leave when I drop him off. He’s only 3 years old. I think our younger child (6 months) will probably be a little more comfy starting preschool in 3 years.

I have a 4 year old daughter that is about to start school for the first time and she is so excited. She can’t wait to start and I am so ready to get a break because Im a stay at home mom so I have one down and two to go.

As a preschool teacher and mother I have been on both sides of the fence–my daughter cried and sat by a chair for her first 2 weeks at preschool clutching her blankie and backpack and I left crying many times only to have to go to work with children and tell their parents it was going to be OK!!! Just be grateful that your situation isn’t reversed. Sometimes parents expect kids to cry when we leave and it can be heart breaking for parents when they don’t!!

My 3 year old daughter will start pre-school on Sept 4th. I’m scare but she is so excited and tells me that she can’t wait for school. However, I know that when I am ready to leave she will be crying. She is a very shy girl, I am putting her in pre-K early so that she can learn to interact with kids.