This Time of Year

The first week of school has been a week full of anxiety, fear and excitement for me for as long as I can remember. From Kindergarten all the way up to my last year of college, the end of the summer and the start of the school year always lead to much anticipation.

After I graduated from college in 1999, I had a good 4 years of just enjoying the change of the seasons and not worrying about going back to school. That was nice. And then Anna was born. And the anxiety came back.

This time it wasn't for me though - it was the anticipation of our little girl growing up and taking the next big step to school! I remember that first year when she was just 8 months old thinking about what it would be like 5 years from that moment. Seemed like a long way off but at the same time those first 8 months of her life flew right by so it wasn't that far off to imagine.

And then the next year there was only 4 more years and then 3 and then 2 and then....Ugh!

Next year she goes to Kindergarten. We will send her on the bus to an unknown place with unknown people with unknown temptations. Have I done my job as parent? Will she be prepared for school and buses and friends and schoolwork and and and...

You know, once they go to school there is no turning back. She is officially not my baby anymore. Because after Kindergarten comes 1st grade and then 2nd and... Well you get my drift!

I just know that once school starts my whole parenting world is turned upside down. I have a really strong feeling that Anna will do just fine. She will love school. She will make friends. But along with all of those things comes a whole new set of parenting issues and problems! So, really the question isn't is Anna prepared - she has already told me she is ready and can't wait. The real question is - AM I PREPARED?