Seeking Advice (Good or Bad) from Moms Who Have Kids in Public Schools

I thnk every mother worries when they send their baby off to school. My youngest will be in K this fall and I still feel the same way. Kindergarten especially is the BEST for little kids. I have never met a bad Kindergarten teacher. They are all so amazing. My children all bloomed in the most amazing ways in Kindergarten and it is such a wonderful special thing to watch. My middle child finished this year and I cried her last day cause I was just so proud of what she has become already. Sometimes as a mom you just have to let go and watch them grow. It is a beautiful thing. She will come to you and you will know if and when she needs you. Enjoy the moment and let her be proud of herself as well. She will never forget her first year of school :O)

I have been a SAHM for 5 yrs. & worried to death about sending my daughter to Kinder in the fall. Personally, though I believe it's just me. My daughter can't wait to go! Yes, kids can be cruel but that's something they'll need to learn anyhow about the real world. And I grew up in a very small Catholic school & kids were still cruel! I don't think it matters where you go. You need to teach your daughter to open up & tell the teacher or you if someone hurts her. Then deal with the teacher about the situations that might arise.

Public schools love parents helping. You could be a teachers aid in your daughters class. That is what I plan to do while my other daughter is in preschool. I think the more you're involved it will ease your mind but don't hang over your daughter. Let her "grow on her own". You could even be a teachers aid in another kinder class if you feel your daughter might be too attached to you but you'll be in the same area.

I'm thinking about holding a "cry" mommy playgroup the day we drop our kids off at school for the first time! Just bring a box of Kleenex. :)
But trully, I believe your kids will be fine!

Like another poster, I also went to catholic schools growing up. I transferred to public school my senior year. And believe me, it's not all that different of an experience for a child.

Most Mom's have anxiety about their child starting school. It is a HUGE transitional time for both of you. Keep being positive and try not to worry about things that have not happened. Take a "cross that bridge" when you come to it.

I actually have 5 children I have seen off on that first day of school! They are now going to 3rd grade, 4th grade, 7th grade, 11th grade and 12th grades next year. There are times where it is a challenge and I look forward to summers when we can all relax a little and not live such scheduled lives.

I also volunteered on the kindergarten center in our school when my youngest went to school. That was a big help for both of us!