She's #4 I Can't Believe I Have the Kindergarten Blues!

Oh, this is normal! You have been a good mom, I can tell. I remember those days so well. Now enjoy a new hobby so that you can start letting go. Or start cleaning out a closet or drawer or some other project like photos. Do something that will make you feel good. Trust that your daughter will be fine. Your kids will be glad to see that you have a life outside of them.

When your kids come home, ask something good that happened today and something bad. That way you get a pulse on what they are feeling. In time, you will see that even your daughter will get through the good times as well as the bad times by coping with the skills you gave her. Let them know how proud you are that they can deal with good and bad things and if they are ever in a situation that they don't know what to do, to just ask you. They will appreciate that you trust them to handle things. Don't think you can protect her from bad things but be assured that she will be experiencing great moments at school. Enjoy those!

We have two children. In less than two weeks we will be taking my "baby" for his 2nd year of college. This summer was the first summer that our oldest, a daughter, stayed away for an internship (she has 3 more semesters of college). It is a sad time yet exciting to see them become the independent young people that we have raised them to be. They have had to deal with good and bad, but they both know they can call us at anytime and that is the best part.

What a precious MOM you are!!
Definitely sign up to volunteer at all the classroom events/field trips/parties/read out loud times/assemble art projects, etc. You'll have fun getting to know your daughter outside the home, in the classroom, not just peeking through the curtains at recess!!
God bless you!
Jennifer

My kids are 7 and 4. The youngest is starting his second year of preschool.
The 4 year old only goes for 2 1/2 hours and I'm already anxious about him being gone! I know that the minute I walk back in to this empty house, I'm gonna be missing them both, BAD!
I think that's just our lot in life as Moms!
I am so right with you about peeking through the window! You're lucky you live across the street! ;-] Just don't let her see you!
Be strong, and know you're not alone! I'll bite my nails for the both of us.....

P.s. may I ask, what work do you freelance from home?

Dear H.,
I, too, sent 4 kids off to school, and each one was hard. Homeschooling is an alternative, but not what I would recommend just to avoid what you are feeling. (I mean there are many other superior reasons for homeschooling!) I send you love and blessings.

Focus on all the positive things about your children growing up, growing into the people they will become. But go ahead and grieve the loss, too. It is ok to feel sad that your baby is beginning the process of leaving the nest. Do something nice for yourself today, treat yourself to whatever it is that you most enjoy.

I always try to remember that as hard as it is, letting our babies wean from every aspect of being dependent on us is really the best thing we can do for them. Take care.

I have never had children but your writing made me LOL. Your pen and thoughts have 'Erma Bombeckicidal tendencies'.

BTW. I'm kinda a sentence structure, grammatical and punctuation proofreading nerd. Please examine today the spelling of tomarrow and check it twice.

As far as #4 goes, don't worry about losing another little lamb. Be proud that you have launched another little star!

Keep up the good writing work, my friend. I loved reading your thoughts.

J. Syverson
Phoenix, AZ

"Don't confuse fame with success. Madonna is one; Helen Keller is the other."
~ Erma Bombeck

Right on, Erma!

I know how you feel....I sent my first off to Kindergarten this morning and I'm still a wreck. It's so quiet at home even though I have my 2 year old to keep me company. I'm hoping with time it will get easier. Maybe you can volunteer in her classroom or meet her for lunch? Good luck with the transition.

Dear H.,

Oohhhh, my poor Sweetie!!! I wish I could wrap my arms around you!!! I know this feeling!!!! You are a Dear Heart with SO MUCH Love.

Okay girl! The first thing you gotta do, right away, is pick up a mind-blowing hobby like SCUBA diving or belly dancing or ballroom dance or pole dancing, (or dare I say...strip-tease?!) Something that takes your TOTAL concentration to do.

I'm a counselor/author/mother in Phx, and I know this feels exactly like a broken heart.

You have to practice getting through it now so that you know how to let go when she grows up and moves out. (NOOOOOO! Don't EVER let her grow up and move out!!!!!!!!) :-( LOL!

Okay Sweetie, I'm cheering for you, and all of us other mothers who know what it's like to have to let go of our little girls...our hearts are breaking for you and our wings are wrapped around you. Good luck Dear.

XXOO, J.

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www.JaneFendelman.com

As a mother of 4 I can understand where you are coming from.

I had my mommy kindergarten blues too although, mine happened with head start and occurred again with kindergarten.

I found it very helpful for both of us to be a classroom volunteer but not on an every day basis.

That helped me to see my child interact with others and grow.
As well as helped me transition into having some time for myself.

Unfortunately, when money situations for me happened... I then went to work at the elementary school. Now I get hugs and smiles not only from my kids but also hundreds more.

I like to joke that I may be mom to 4 but, during the school year I am mom to hundreds. I LOVE IT!