First Grade Blues - Mine, Not His

Updated on August 13, 2012
J.F. asks from Milledgeville, GA
12 answers

Did anyone else have a hard time as your child entered first grade? I thought kindergarten would be the tough one for me, but that wasn't nearly as bittersweet as I'd imagined. But the start of the first grade year has hit me hard. I've been an emotional wreck over seeing him grow up so fast, and I don't know why. He's excited about the new school year - he loves school, and we are thrilled with the school he is in, so no concerns there. Just looking for a little reassurance that this is normal, I guess...

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So What Happened?

Thank you so much for the feedback. It really helps to hear from others going through the same thing. I think it's just really dawned on me in a concrete way how fast he is growing up. So delightful, yet so sad in a way!

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☆.A.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Normal!
Good parents give their kids roots and wings.
This is the very beginning of the "wings" part!
Hang in there!

4 moms found this helpful

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L.A.

answers from Austin on

Normal.. We love our babies. They need us and we love being able to help them.. As they grow, we are proud of their independence, but we miss their need for us.

It is so exciting to see our children learn and succeed with new skills, but it is that one more indication that they are not so dependent on us..

But as my mom has always said to me.. "No matter how old you are, no matter how accomplished or successful you will be, you will always be my baby. I never stop worrying about you and never stop being amazed at your accomplishments. "

You are doing a good job when you have a child that can go forward and do things on their own. It means they have learned from you.. But they will still will always love you and need you..

Our daughter just graduated from College and now has a job and she still says.. "'I need a mom hug!" "I miss you taking care of me.."

All totally normal, it changes and gets better. Just let him sorar at school and in life and he will always call on you for support.

6 moms found this helpful

S.A.

answers from Chicago on

100% normal. I am having a hard time this week as well. My baby just turned 3 yesterday (which to me, has always signified the end of babyhood and beginning of big kid times), my middle child is starting first grade next Tues (after only going to half day school until now) and my oldest will be starting 5th grade! I feel like I could cry, then throw up, then cry some more. I hate, hate, hate it that time flies so quickly. Each year seems to go faster than the one before, and each baby seems to grow up quicker than the last.

4 moms found this helpful
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J.☯.

answers from Springfield on

I really think it just hits you when it hits you. My son's first year of preschool was very hard for me, but I think that was because he cried the first few days. On his first day of kindergarten he was just so excited and a proud little peacock as he began his day. After taking him to his classroom and saying our goodbyes, I drove 20 minutes to work. That's when I suddenly burst into tears.

I don't know that there's necessarily a rhyme or reason to how and when we have these moments. But they are our babies and our emotions are very much real, so embrace it and know that you are normal!

4 moms found this helpful
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L.M.

answers from Chicago on

Ahhh, you are having my morning. I just dropped my 1st grader off and had to fight the urge to set up my own desk in the back of the room.

** must resist helicopter mom impulses **

I think it was harder for me than her, for sure. She was excited to see her friends and get started. I'm excited too, but turns out I miss her already, despite the fact that if she were home she'd be fighting with her brother....

4 moms found this helpful
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S.S.

answers from Chicago on

Waaaaaa I'm still crying mama. It was soo hard and I still have the video where he is standing and smiling and his reddish copper hair is shining in the sun, slicked back and his big brother is pinching him and they have new backpacks and shiney shoes. Gee, I'm there again. But that's my babeee I'm describing, I felt the same way about the older one who didn't have anyone to pinch him. Did I mention they are now in their twenties?

3 moms found this helpful
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J.K.

answers from Sacramento on

Yes... kindergarten was tough, but ti was only a half day and they still seem so little. 1st grade is a hard one. Hang in there Mama!

2 moms found this helpful

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

Of course it is normal. Just make sure he does not realize you are upset about his huge new exciting adventure.

Time flies when they hit school. My daughter will be a Senior this year. She is oour one and only by choice and I know this time next year, I am putting her on a plane to send her off to college...

I already have the lump in my throat... She ad the first cheer activity on Saturday night as Captain and when I saw her leading the group, my lump was getting bigger and bigger but I made it. I am proud of her and I have to think about what has been accomplished vs me losing her.

Hang in there, you are very normal. It is hard letting go but we have to do it and trust that you have raised him well.

2 moms found this helpful
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M.P.

answers from St. Louis on

I understand how you feel! I am sending my baby to kindergarten on Wednesday, my middle child to 7th grade, and my oldest daughter to college on Friday. I can't seem to shake this overwhelming sadness. I am so sad about how quickly time is going by. I am going to be a "hot mess" all week long.

2 moms found this helpful
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M.C.

answers from Chicago on

Good luck to your son! Mine is starting first grade, too. They do grow fast. On the other hand, I feel like I'm sprinting to next week so school can start, and it can't get here fast enough!

We have four, though, and honestly having one occupied changes the whole dynamic of the household for the better. I'm excited for him too! He hasn't seen most of his friends all summer, and he can't wait.

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C.B.

answers from San Francisco on

Separation anxiety. We all experience it.

The first week or so will be tough, but after that you'll adjust and start enjoying having so much time to really get things done!

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A.L.

answers from Charleston on

Sending you hugs. My youngest starts kindergarten next week (full day too), and I'm about to go nutso. He on the other hand, is bouncing off the walls with excitement to be in 'big school". You are normal. :)

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