Today my son ‘graduated’ from preschool.
I use the term graduate lightly because, well, there’s no real preschool graduation, but our preschool held a cute little ceremony – with hats they made and certificates. It was adorable. It was also terrifying.
Remember when I was sad and scared to send him to preschool? Remember when he was having a hard time and other people’s kindness was so important and appreciated? I now have a hard time believing that the year was older.
While he learned a lot in school and most importantly had fun, I learned a lot too. It’s okay to let them experience the world in a safe, controlled environment. It’s healthy for me to have that time. It was nice to spend it with my daughter alone. It was special for him to have that place to go, with his teachers and special friends.
I smiled while I watched him take his group picture. He was himself, somewhat shy with a coy smirk, waiting for a moment to release his energy and personality that is uniquely his. The one that I love so much and that I suspect his friends see as well.
But there is was. My baby graduating. He did such an amazing job this year. I don’t know if he could understand how proud I was of him for trying new things, for taking that unknown step.
Then my heart ached even more as I saw my youngest, my baby, my toddler running across the floor to join the kids and play. ‘She’s next’ I thought. He turn to wear the cap and gown will come.
Time is my enemy.
But for now, I relish in my son’s sweet smile and readiness to take his next step – into kindergarten.
My daughter’s Graduation is in 2 weeks. She had such a great time at preschool and grew and changed so much there. I’m excited for my youngest to start there this winter. It’s important for them to have experiences away from us. I feel like it’s my job to get them out into the world and to be self-sufficient, productive members of society, this was step 1.
My heart aches right along with yours, but I too am one proud mama!
It’s such a catch – you want them to do well in the world but as adults we have become so cynical we want to protect them from certain things in the world. One step at a time!
Good luck with your dd’s grad 😉
Thanks for this post Rebecca – it drew out some great memories! I remember when my oldest “graduated” from daycare – I still have his construction paper cap somewhere, hehe. I was so proud, and knew that it was only the beginning of many more milestone celebrations to come! This year, he’s finishing elementary school (terrifying!), while my youngest will be starting JK in September.
Congratulations to your little one, and best of luck to him as he too starts school!
I cried all through my two girls’ preschool graduations. Preschool is such a wonderful experience, and I’m sure yours will love kindergarten too. My baby just graduated kindergarten, and yes, I cried all through that too.
But I still find it just gets better and better. Yes time flies, but I really love the progression. Best of luck in kindergarten next year!
I think the preschool graduations are so cute. My oldest still has another year of preschool before kindergarten but as soon as she “graduates” my youngest will be starting. Oh they grow up so quickly!
Shoot! Once a day, I sit here in my office at work, with tears in my eyes – today your post was the one who did that to me, Rebecca! It’s SO emotional, isn’t it? When my oldest son went to Playgroup/preschool (my mom would stay with him, though) a few times a week, seeing him ‘graduate’ was especially emotional for me – I loved their little paper hats and certificates! This year, as you know, he started junior kindergarten and it was SOOOO EMOTIONAL for me – and I’m amazed how well he did, how far he has come. There is no graduation for him but there is a party on his last day – I’ll be there with tears in my eyes and cupcakes for the whole class!
You should be very proud of your little boy! (As I’m sure you are!) Enjoy the summer together!
Thanks Loukia. I just can’t even believe where the time has gone
kindergarten grad! Can’t even imagine. Look how well your little guy has done!