Back to School: 1st Grade,and Learning to Let Go....

It seems like yesterday...heading to the hospital to give birth to my son - and WHAMM, he’s off to 1st grade-two days ago.

The first day of school was definitely a challenge this year. There were tears, and reflections, of course....

Last year, there was a half day of kindergarten, so it was kind of like-he wasn’t quite gone. But, this year, our little guy is swept away the whole day getting an education - which is obviously good for him. It’s definitely a lesson in letting go. It’s helped that my little guy has said, “ this was the best school day ever” since school started. We’ve got three days and counting, so the odds look good!

On letting go: looking back to that day I gave birth to my son.....it’s so hard to reconcile how little he once was, to who he is now. He amazes me with his questions, his astuteness and overall curiosity about things I don’t think I asked about, at his age. But then again, maybe I did! It’s been so long, I can’t remember.

So, I digress.

There is a good feeling in him having a whole day to encounter new experiences. And, I’ve finally come to the realization that he will grow up whether I like it or not, and I choose to support it, rather than fight it.

So here he is, a bright and shining 1st grader, who loves meeting new people, is sweet, kind and considerate and enjoys learning. Dare I say, so far, things are looking up. All we want for really want for our children is for them to find happiness, contentment and challenge, right??

So, this year, the first day - though it is a full one - is good. My son reports feeling happy, fulfilled and he says he LOVES his teacher. All a Mom could really ask for..

Written by Melanie Santostefano, founder of VP Public Relations.