Just yesterday, I woke up and got my son out of his crib to start our day. We had rice cereal and then he sat in his Jumparoo while we watched the morning sports recap on TV. There’s only one problem with this story.
That wasn’t yesterday!
It was 3 years ago and I have no idea where the time in between that went. In fact, just yesterday I woke up and my son was already downstairs by himself, watching TV and playing quietly with his toys.
Where did that time go? On top of all of this, I now face the reality that in less than a month, he will be going to school for the very first time. I actually think he is the only one in my house who is ready for this next chapter of his life. I certainly am not!
I’m a pretty laid back guy. I try not to overreact or worry about situations with the kids but for some reason, the prospect of him being out in the world on his own is something that just doesn’t sit right with me. What if he gets scared or hurt or can’t do up his zipper or bullied?! Who’s going to be there to protect him and ease him through all the changes as they happen?
Who, I ask!?
I’ve already got my first day drop off routine all laid out too. It involves me being the tough Dad/Husband who consoles my sobbing wife as we push our son through the gates to his new home away from home. It possibly also includes me convincing her that we need to walk away even if he is crying and doesn’t want us to leave. That’s the classic daycare/school advice after all and I definitely buy into it.
There’s also one more thing that I am not scheduling for that day but that I am certain will happen.
Daddy is going to cry.
That’s right, even tough guy Daddy sometimes gets so overwhelmed with emotion that there is no way to hold those pesky tears back. Ever since having kids, my normally dormant water works have flowed like Niagara Falls. I don’t regret it or feel like less of a man, it’s just a new phase that I’m trying to get used to. Sometimes it only takes a look or an “I Love You” and I get all welled up inside.
That’s my story. My son is growing up way too fast and there’s nothing I can do about it except enjoy every single moment. Oh, and write about it so I have those memories forever, haha. I secretly know he’s ready to take that next step but there’s a small part of me that wants him to stay just the way he is now. You know, the kid that can’t wait for Daddy to get home from work so he can have his hug!
In the meantime, I am going to do everything in my power to hold on to the last bits of innocence before sending him off into the world alone. My little man, all grown up! And his Daddy, welling up with pride.
Go get ‘em buddy!
Cheers!
Chris Read is the owner and writer of the blog Canadian Dad. Please feel free to stop by to say hi and/or follow on Twitter!
21 Responses to My Little Man Is Starting School…And Daddy Is A Mess!
They grow up far too fast. It’s scary! :/ Have a great first day of school little guy! (And it’s ok if Daddies cry a little too – this is a big milestone.)
Thanks for your blog Chris as I have been feeling a bit sad/ happy at the prospect of my little guy starting kindergarten this year!
Ah Chris I know how you feel. I was literally changing my baby’s diapers yesterday and now he is off to Grade 1 in French Immersion no less. I honestly don’t know how or why time goes by so fast. I think someone needs to invent a product that STOPS this from happening. It would surely earn the PTPA Seal! Thanks for sharing your feelings – nice to see that it’s not just us Moms who worry
Aw!
They grow up way too fast! I know! I already have a 4th Grader, 1st Grader, and SK! I have no idea how this happened! I swear I just gave birth to my youngest last year! Clearly not the case as he is 5 now!
Its nice to know its not just us moms that get emotional during this time!
Thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks Lisa, It certainly is! I can’t wait to see how he reacts on his first day. I’m so excited for him.
Thanks Caryn! It’s a big step but a necessary one for their development. Cheer up, your little guy will love it and you’ll love hearing about it!
Thanks Kathryn! I’m in my basement working on it right now! Tell my wife where I am because I forgot to do it!
Thanks Michelle! Even though we put up a tough exterior, most Dads save their sad stuff for when we are in private, lol.
How exciting for everyone involved. They say that crying releases a bunch of good chemicals and uses facial muscles.
Your story will technically be our story in one year and I too wonder where all the time went.
Well written piece, thanks for sharing.
Besos, Sarah
Zookeeper at Journeys of The Zoo
We aren’t even close to starting school, but I’m having these thoughts already as she will be starting daycare when I go back to work.
it’s gut wrenching seeing them walk away from you and you have no idea what lies ahead for them, I remember those feelings for sure and now our middle guy starts JK this year and it happens all over again. goodluck!
I was actually not as much of a mess as I thought I would be on Jules first day last year….good luck!
Awwww! My little guy starts Kindergarten too! It is tough to let them go, but exciting at the same time!
I’ve got a couple of posts about this over at my place
So exciting that he’s starting school! My son is starting his second year soon (Senior Kindergarten) and although it was tough in the beginning, we all love the routine now and he’s learned SO much! He loves it. Good luck!
LOVE this post! It is fabulous having a Dad’s perspective! I’m a bit weepy since my Little One is starting JK in 2 weeks! WAHH!
Love the school bag, by the way! Awesome!
SNIFF! I KNOW!!! Our oldest starts school too and I’m pretty much resenting/dreading it. Can’t she just stay home and be mine forever?
My oldest is starting preschool this year, and I am so so excited. Maybe once it starts I will be sad, but for now I want the free time.
I was just telling a friend that I never really understood “Time flies” until I had kids! Stay strong Daddy! He will love it!!
Ahhh this is how we felt when our little one started daycare at 14 months old. It was such a huge adjustment and leap of faith to put her in someone else’s care all day long. I can’t imagine how we’ll feel when she’s old enough to go to school!
Or he could surprise you and run to the doors and not even look back. That will make you cry too!
Both my kids couldn’t wait for school and were more than ready when the first day showed up!
Oh, another thing to keep in mind… this might be your first day of school, but the teacher has done this many many times. Stick with the wave and walk away even if he’s crying. I hear that most kids cry for a few seconds and then they’re fine.
You and your son will do just fine!
I just wanted to say Thanks for all the encouragement! It means a lot to know that everyone goes through the same stresses. For the record, I am on board with the wave and walk away line of thinking. With a day care in my home, I see the sticking around approach fail on a weekly basis. Cheers!