Hey Mom and Dad! It’s that time of year again, yes school. It’s here the wait is over, but something that I have eagerly learned this year is that while I may be in the introduction chapter of life others are in their 1st, 4th, 8th and 12th chapters. These chapters I am referring to are the school years of your children. While I am getting ready for my oldest to go to 3 day a week preschool, my friends and mentors are sending their oldest children to their first year kindergarten, high school or their first year of college. In this I have learned while sending your babies to kindergarten you are thrilled, nervous, excited and cautious of their day, it’s the same with high school and college. As parents who have been through the first chapter have said, ‘the first two weeks are the toughest, your child needs time to get into routine, to understand the why’s and create a habit for him or herself.” While other’s in later chapters have said this “it’s harder on you then it is on them, stay strong Mom and Dad.”
You see we may all be in different chapters but one thing is certain, we’re all going through similar things, we’re all at a chapter in our lives. We have anticipated the next chapters and have played over and over again in our heads how to create stepping stones for our children and yet are anxious and excited for them yet, crossing our fingers that the next chapters will slow down a little.
I have had the privilege of getting to know many of your children for the last 4 ½ years and these transitions are hard for us as well. We laugh with you, cry with you and grow with you. There is no greater joy then us as teachers seeing your children grow wings and fly. It’s our job to help prepare you for these moments. And while we are preparing you for your big moments, don’t be afraid to reach out to us. Even though some of our kiddos have spread their wings this year and are at a new school, your COT family is always here for you.
The one thing that I have gained from this is that although my chapter may be different then my friends chapter, I can still be excited for my child and theirs. I can still lend a shoulder to cry on and understand where they have been and where they are going. I can listen and help them and be supportive no matter what chapter there in.
So to our Mom’s and Dad’s this school year, let’s take a minute to start this new chapter together. Let’s turn the page and know that no matter what chapter you’re on in your child’s life. You have a friend always at COT!
~ Cheers to a new school year!
Mara