Remember your first day at a new job when using the unfamiliar coffee machine felt overwhelming? Fast forward a bit, and now you’re a pro! That’s how it can feel for a toddler on their first day of school – emotional at first then stability. It could be a rollercoaster of feelings for both children and their parents. Today, we’ll dive into some real-life emotions shared by a few moms and their experiences as they sent their little ones off to playschool for the very first time!
Through one-on-one conversations, I realized that all moms’ emotions on this milestone day are unique. What drives their feelings can vary greatly. For example, a stay-at-home mom may experience different emotions than a working mom. The stay-at-home mom, who has been with her baby day in and day out, might feel overwhelmed by the separation. Meanwhile, a working mom may feel more at ease, having already become accustomed to being apart from her child during work hours.
My Experience
In previous posts, I’ve shared how my daughter started daycare at just six months old. Now, let’s fast forward to my son’s first day of preschool at almost two years old! Last year, I had to get only one bag packed, this year, it’s double the effort.
Looking back at my children’s first days of school, I noticed how much more emotional I was when my son started. Why? Well, I was working full-time when my daughter began daycare, so my mind was occupied with the daily grind. But now that my son has started playschool, I’m a stay-at-home mom. We have spent so much time together that the thought of him going off to school hit me hard emotionally. All I wondered was how he was going to cope without me.
My daughter is pretty much a mini version of me – strong-willed and sociable – so I didn’t worry much about her fitting in. She adapted quickly and made friends easily in school. My son, however, enjoys his own company most of the time, and I feared he would miss me or have a hard time adjusting. I braced myself for tears, expecting him to struggle.
To my surprise, my son’s first day of school went incredibly smoothly. His teachers recommended starting with just 30 minutes, but he stayed for an hour and a half – without shedding a tear! He enjoyed the playground, and the classroom, filled with toys and activities he loved, kept him happily engaged until I returned to pick him up. It was a relief that his first day went so well, although day two didn’t go quite the same. But that’s a story for another time! 😂
Insights from other Moms
Here’s what a few moms shared when reflecting on their child’s first day of school:
As a working mom, Mom T sent her 6-month-old to daycare and was filled with anxiety. “I was worried, afraid, and confused,” she said. “How would she cope? How would I cope? I had been exclusively breastfeeding her, and the idea of leaving her in someone else’s care felt overwhelming.” However, after praying about it and seeking advice from other moms, she found a daycare that felt right and felt more at peace.
Mom B1, a stay-at-home mom, was eager for some alone time when her 18-month-old son started playschool but was surprised by how much she missed him. “I couldn’t wait to have him back home at the end of the day,” she shared. Mom B2‘s 20-month-old daughter cried on her first day, which made her emotional as well. But over time, the tears turned into cheerful goodbyes as her daughter gradually adapted to school life. Now, she feels comforted by their prayers and goodbye hugs before school.
For Mom F, her 4-year-old son recently just started playschool. He was nervous at first but pleasantly surprised. “He didn’t cry or throw any tantrums, but he was withdrawn and unsure how to interact with the other kids. Thankfully, his teacher has been patient, helping him come out of his shell. He’s already doing so much better!” she said.
Mom V sent her 16-month-old to daycare and was met with tears from her son as she walked away. “It was hard to leave him, and I felt a mix of emotions – nervousness, sadness, and hope that he would adjust and enjoy it.” She too made sure she prayed over him to calm her nerves. Mom E, however, felt “relieved” when her toddler started daycare. The proximity of the daycare to her office and home, along with the convenient hours, gave her peace of mind.
Conclusion
The first day of school is a big moment, not just for the child but for the parents too. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or a working parent, the emotions are real and valid. You might be anxious, excited, or even a little sad, and that’s okay! The important thing is understanding that both you and your child will adjust to this new phase, each at their own pace. Some kids adapt quicker than others, but with time, patience, and support, it gets easier.
Action Point: Reflection
How did you feel on your child’s first day at school? Share your story in the comment section – we’d love to hear about your experiences and any tips you have for other moms going through the same season!
Appreciation
A heartfelt thank you to all the moms who shared their personal stories and insights! Your contributions make this conversation richer for everyone.