Back to School

And just like that...

WRITTEN BY ALI SCHWEITZER

When my 9-year-old son went off to kindergarten I celebrated. I was so excited for him, and to only be paying for one kiddo in child care. The first day went smoothly. There were no tears from either of us, it was pretty much a normal day. Fast forward five years as I get ready to send my daughter to kindergarten and things feel different. I’m not sure if it’s because she’s my last baby, or as I’ve gotten older these big changes affect me more, but whatever the reason I am not looking forward to kindergarten drop-off as much this time around.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m excited that both of my kids will finally be in the same school (even if it’s only for one year), my daughter is excited to embark on her new journey, and of course the extra money in my bank account will be so nice, but this time it just feels more raw. In fact, my daughter’s last day of Montessori made me and the teachers cry. After my daughter and I walked out of Renaissance Montessori for the last time this June I sat in my car and cried. Of course my sweet little girl asked me why I was sad and as I explained, it was because I was going to miss her school, all her friends and of course the family feel of it all. She patted my back and said, "It’s OK mom, I’m going to make so many new friends at my new school and it’s going to be so great!" While reassuring, that only made me cry harder.

Both my children went to Renaissance and for the past six years it has been a huge part of our lives, so it really felt like the end of an era. Not only have the teachers loved my kids and taught them so much, but the families we have met and made friends with will always hold a special place in our hearts. And I will never forget how the school took in my son during the COVID school-shut- down and all those PIR days that I had to work.

I know that my daughter is ready for this next step in her life, but I’m not sure if I am. When given the choice this summer of returning to her beloved Montessori for the summer program or going to camp she immediately chose camp. She was excited to be with her brother and start making new friends. And while I didn’t cry during camp drop-off, I did have mixed feelings when she didn’t even give me a hug goodbye as she ran in and proudly announced her name and that she was there for her first day of camp.

This summer has gone by fast, but smooth, and with both my kids being at the same place for pick up and drop-off has been less stressful for me. I also love hearing my kids talk about the fun things they have done and the encounters they had with each other at camp. It warms my heart to know that my son is looking out for his little sister and that she truly does look up to him.

So, as school approaches and the pit in my stomach grows a little larger, I know deep down that she will be more than OK, she will thrive. She will make new friends, have new stories, and she will have her big brother looking out for her always. That doesn’t mean it won’t be hard, and I’m sure I’ll shed a tear (as I try to hold myself together), but there will definitely be a celebration after the first day of kindergarten for my last baby.

Ali Schweitzer is a mama of two amazing kids and owner/ chiropractor at Active Family Chiropractic & Wellness.