An open letter to my youngest child...

You are my last baby and that realization has hit me hard this week as we are preparing for you to start kindergarten. The beauty in being an older mother is I have been through all of this before and I know exactly what to expect, but that is also the burden. I know the struggles you will face ahead and I also know how quickly the years will fly by. Knowing that we were facing a racing clock, I have tried to soak up every moment of your preschool years. We are now on the eve of you starting your school-aged journey I want to share a few tips and hopes with you as you start this new chapter in life.

Everyone is Scared

The school is big, the bus is big, some of the other kids are big! I know that the first day will feel like you have been thrown into another world, just remember you are not the only one who feels this way. It is ok to be scared, just try not to let fear overwhelm you. Look for the things you know, the people you know, seeking out what is normal and familiar will help you face the things that are not so familiar. When all is said and done, this is everyone’s first day, your teacher, your bus driver, and every child in the building, you are not alone. Soon enough this will all feel normal to you, so remember it is ok to be scared, feel that emotion and then allow yourself to move on to excited and curious!

Everyone is Different

You are going to meet a whole world of new people. Some will look, act and think like you, but many won’t and that is ok. Part of what makes this world so amazing is our differences! Don’t be afraid to meet someone different and don’t get stuck in the mindset of “my way is the only way.” Look for the things you have in common, and be open to learning about the things that make you different. Having an open mind and surrounding yourself with all types of people will help you grow into a well-rounded individual and allow you to live life to the fullest.

Be a Friend

School can be rough and kids can be mean. Sometimes it is may seem easier to just follow the crowd and act how they act, I urge you not to. Sit with the kid at lunch that no one wants to sit by, play with the kid at recess that everyone avoids. Stand up for the kid that others tease. Always remember this lesson: you can smooth out a piece of paper after you crumple it up, but it is never the same. Human emotions are the same way, people will always remember how you treated them, so treat everyone well.

Be Honest

You will find yourself in situations where your values and character may be questioned and you may not always make the right choices. This is part of growing up and learning. Always tell the truth, even if you know you did wrong, it does not change what happened, but it does build trust and respect with other people. I know this can be hard, but it is always better to be the person who messed up but was open about it versus the person who lied and got caught.

This new chapter of your life is going to be filled with so many things, some will be good and some will be trials. It is my wish for you to use this season in life to grow, learn and become the person that you want to be in life. I will be here with you every step of the way sometimes I will guide, sometimes I will just watch but know that I am always with you.