Kindergarten Blues

One of my good friends sent me a text last night that struck fear into my own heart. She was getting ready to send her youngest son to kindergarten the next day, and she was distraught.

This is so hard. I can't stop crying.

She's a stay-at-home mom who has done an amazing job. To the outside world, she seemed totally ready for this next step – and to regain a bit of her former life back. Her little caterpillar now had some wings. I think she thought she was ready, too.

Jack is in preschool, and next year, I'll be tackling the same transition. This is my little guy, the one who seemed like only yesterday was babbling and toddling and getting into everything. Now he's having conversations with me and starting to write his letters. 

Will I be ready for this step? I don't know!

Her text to me this morning sounded better:

I made it. I didn't tear up till I got home ... I know he will be OK.

So there's hope, but the lesson to me was to be ready for the inevitable shock to your system that our babies grow up. Fast.

Any tips out there as to how to handle this transition and keep yourself from becoming a blubbering mess as you are walking your little one up to the "big-kid" school? We'd all love to hear them!