Back to School

Today:

First Grade:

Kindergarten:

Pre-K:

Preschool:

Today, Henry started 2nd grade. The above photographs evidence that we have sent Henry out on a first day of school 5 times. 5 times! But, I can't seem to get past the pain and worry each September to the joy of having freedom from my 7 year old. And, his freedom from me. 

I worry that he will not eat all of his lunch. I worry that someone will treat him poorly. I worry that he may not always use kindness toward others. I worry that someone will take him. I worry that someone will shoot up his school. Worry. Worry. Worry.

This anxiety makes it difficult to celebrate why school is so amazing and prohibits me from feeling the bliss of independence from my children. So, I thought about why we choose to send our kids to school each year and this is what I came up with as a result:

1. To learn. I can only teach my kids what I know. How limiting. When we allow our children to learn from others we open their minds to new ideas and perspectives.

2. To be a friend. Our kids need to know how to be a friend to others, how to be respectful, and how to value similarities and differences. This can not happen if I never let them leave our house.

3. To make friends. It is important for our kids to be able to choose their own friends, not just the ones we arrange play dates with on their behalf. They must learn what they value in a friend so that they can make choices that allow them to feel amazing and respected.

4. To gain independence. I basically want my kids with me all of the time because I trust myself more than others. However, I have to trust in the good of education and educators so that my kids can spend their school days away from me, enjoying independence and not dependence.

5. To make things better. We need active, engaged citizens to impact change and keep society moving in the right direction. We need people who can read and respond critically, speak with strong voices, and respect people of all backgrounds. I believe this happens in schools, in classrooms, in lunchrooms, on busses and in hallways. 

So, it seems like school is a pretty great idea and worrying isn't all that productive.  I salute all parents, educators, community stakeholders, and kids who are working hard today to keep our little friends safe and engaged. Your work is important to me. Your work is necessary.