728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Home › Webmother's Musings

Back to School – a Time of Beginnings

By Elisa Ast All

Some people think of fall as a time of endings: Summer is over, the leaves fall from the trees and we're heading toward winter hibernation. I have always thought of fall as a time of beginnings: I celebrate my birthday, the holidays approach and school begins.

It took me a while to get used to the fact that my first baby, CJ, was heading off to preschool at the age of 2 1/2. How could he possibly be ready for this adventure – this milestone? I know I certainly wasn't ready! Dropping him off in that cheery classroom filled with other toddlers-turned-preschoolers on the first day of school was harder on me than it was on him. He turned to me and said, "Good-bye, Mommy!" and ran off to explore the Thomas the Tank Engine train set. I stood in the doorway with a lump in my throat.

It was the moment I knew I had to start letting go of my baby. There is something so incredible about that moment in time that's both deliriously happy and miserably sad at the same time.

This year, I am facing that bittersweet moment again – times two. My twin girls, Cassandra and Julianna, age 2 3/4, are heading off to preschool. I can't quite wrap my mind around the thought of these girls – once 4- and 5-pound preemies, respectively – sliding on their backpacks and heading for school.

I am gratified by the baby time that I do have with them, however fleeting it is. Their baby years are flying by even faster than my son's did. Maybe it's because there are two of them to care for. Perhaps it is due to our increasingly hectic lifestyle, or maybe it is because they are likely to be my last babies. Whatever the reason, I am thankful for moments I will always remember: Cassandra and Julianna nestled together in a single bassinet; their faces scrunched up in a pucker upon tasting solid food for the first time; their first steps as they toddled to keep up with their brother; catching them holding each other's hands and smiling; and so much more.

As I send my babies off to preschool, I know I will always cherish their baby years. It is these special moments upon which the rest of their characters will be built. Cherish these years with your own babies, no matter how old they are. Hold on tight, but also be prepared to let go.

Here is a checklist for the first day of school, with ideas from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):

  • Have you filled out all the health and emergency contact forms? Has your child received necessary immunizations?
  • When is the first day of school? What time does school start?
  • How is your child going to get to school? Have you reviewed bicycle and/or bus safety precautions with her?
  • Can your child buy lunch at school, and how much will it cost? Will he need a snack?
  • What clothes will your child need to wear? Are there any restrictions? Will she need a different set of clothes for physical education or art classes?
  • Have any new health problems developed in your child that will affect her school day? Does the school nurse or administrator know about this condition?
  • If your child will need to take medication at school on the first day, have arrangements been made for this?
  • Does your youngster know where he is going after school (e.g., home, babysitter)? Does he know how he will get there? If you will not be there when he arrives, does he know who will be responsible for him, what the rules are and how to get help in an emergency?

For more information from the AAP, visit www.aap.org.