It’s the night before a new school year, and my daughter – going into second grade – went to sleep with butterflies in her stomach. The day didn’t start off with so much tension. In fact, it was the opposite – the whole day was a burst of excited energy – buying and preparing school supplies, taking out her uniform, reviewing the class lists, finishing up our summer homework (ahem – a lot of time was spent doing this until late into the evening.) But once the homework was done, the backpack put beside the door, and we got into bed, the tears started to flow. I was reminded of how when I was young, about a week before school started, without fail I would get a rash on my face. Oh, how tense I used to be about the uncertainty – year after year after year. Even though I loved school and had great friends, it always sucked to go back to school and college.
Tonight, I could only encourage my daughter that it was going to be a great year, seeing all her friends after a long summer, meeting new teachers, and the prospect of learning so many new things. I pointed out that Leela, her younger sister, had a stomach ache last month as we drove to her new school for an orientation. But upon arrival, she was welcomed with open arms and loved the school.
Heck, even President Barack Obama had a message for Tara and other students this year, I told her. (On a side note, I think its great that our children are being welcomed back to school by the President with a message of responsibility and empowerment for their future. For the President to take the time to welcome kids back to school sends an important message to them – education and school matters.)
To be honest though, the lure of President Obama’s speech did nothing to quell my daughter’s nerves. Ultimately though compassion did…
Tara worried that she didn’t know the new boy who was joining her class this year – I pointed out that while she didn’t know him, she knew all the other kids. Since he was new, imagine what it would be like for him to not know 19 kids. Somehow this reasoning quelled her fears a bit. I could see her mind processing, imagining, empathizing. She bravely wiped away her tears, and had to agree. He must be really scared. Her body language shifted from apprehension to empowerment. She had a purpose in her little mind – she could help out the new kid in school.
She snuggled into her pillow. As she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep, I could see she was still apprehensive, but also now a little determined, even excited.
Sweet dreams, baby. It’s going to be a fabulous year!
dearest mallika,
thanks for this post which brought back memories of my childhood, well i used to be very, very happy during the first few months, with so many new books, so much to read.. it was great fun. but the tougher part for children so small is to leave mothers after being with for so long i guess..she will have a fantastic year and years..
Wish you love, peace and happiness.
Trisha
Mallica*NewDay*thank you for this soul searching and reflective story…I had forgotten life at that time and yes, being a new child at a new school … what a lesson in bravery to carry into one`s future. thank you, truly! ~~~
\ *aloha is a new day and an exciting experience * // ~~~~ !
beachgirl …
=*=
Mallika, you are a great writer, dear, and a loving and compassionate mother.
May your inner light illuminate all your wonderful writings and your care for the children.
Rouzanna
Mallika,
Thank you for this post. My twin girls started 5th grade last week and their excitement was quite an eye opener for me. I remember when I was in school I always had mixed feelings when the summer break got over, but my children are looking at things in such a positive light and welcomed the new school year with open arms.
Our children sometimes teach us that change is good and its ok to embrace it.
Heres wishing your daughter has a wonderful year at school.
God bless
Sati
To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.
Maria Luisa Contursi
Program Director
mindyourmind.ca
Hi Mallika
had a similar experience with my daughters two nights ago. Reminded of what a real, significant stressor it is for kids to start again…even if the experience and the outcomes are familiar.
I dont know about you, but I am exhausted. I was full of worry and anxiety about Adrianna's placement (also entering the second grade). Awoke at 4 am and couldnt get back to sleep. Free associated for 3 hours about one worry to the next. It was so odd and exhausting.
Parenting is not for the faint hearted. Need patience and insight and stamina. I need to pace myself…in it for a long haul… yes!
Maria Luisa
dear mallika
lovely and touching post that brought back memories. thank you for sharing this.
love
anou
malllika
thank you for sharing yours and Tara's story. i can relate as i too have sent my angel girl off to school (1st grade).
here is wishing your daughters, my daughter, maria luisa's daughter, and all others who have sent there little one's off an amazing school year!!!
carla martin:)
What a awesome 6 hour, thankyou to Dave and all the crew at Roudtuit Caravan park for all the work that went to running this event, well worth marking in the dairy for next yearZayıflama Lida Fx15 ve Biber Hapı zlfvbh burmeh yaza lida fx15 biber hapı ile formda girin burmeh yaza lida fx15 biber hapı ile formda girin Trakya Üniversitesi tabiii en önemliside bize baya bi para getirecek. his family and particularly the children he had artificially created will be happier and far better off without him, not to mention wealthier. Remember and play his music if you want..it was pretty good but don't for get what an absolute failure as man he was. He dies a whiny drug addicted loser.. Save your sorrow for someone worthy
Nice and comforting motherly story!