Last First Day of School

Maeve is 5 and is off to kindergarten. She had fun in pre-school at the Huguenot St. cooperative, but that program only went 9-11:30 or 9-12 (depending on kids' ages), so Shirra and I were thrilled whenever summer came and her camp took her for the full day. She's a confident kid who enjoys wherever she is and whoever she's there with, so the longer she can have fun outside of home, the better. After all, we get plenty of her on the weekends, during our fabulous summers, and before and after the school day. We're thrilled that she's the kind of kid who enjoys school and isn't afraid to grow up.

We're not afraid for her to grow up, either. We've always believed in shepherding our kids into the world so that they can be strong, independent, and happy people. I can understand how other parents get weepy at the thought of their children leaving the nest in one way or another, but really, isn't that the point of raising children? To my way of thinking, there's something unrealistic or almost selfish about crying when your little one goes off to school for the first time. Don't be sad to see them onto that bus; be thrilled that they're about to begin that big adventure! It's an exciting day.

This change-of-pace is especially thrilling when it's your first kid or your last kid. With Fiona, we assumed the best, and our expectations were exceeded. She had a great time in kindergarten. It helped that I was a teacher in her school; I got to see her all the time, even visiting her classroom once a week for a special activity. We sent Emmett to the same school when he turned 3, and even before that, he'd already had a great time in his 2s program at the Brooklyn Montessori; he didn't even look back at us when he ran into that classroom for the first time. Maeve has already had a few good days and has made some friends; she likes her teacher and the assistant teacher. We're excited for her. It's only a matter of time until she's bigger than her backpack.