No One Prepared Me for How Transformative This Year Would Be

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No One Prepared Me for How Transformative This Year Would Be

He began kindergarten as a little toddler, and now he’s a fully-fledged kid. by Jamie Taylor
May 9, 2022

When the cap and gown photo of my son from kindergarten arrived, I couldn’t help but burst into laughter. It’s undeniably adorable. He looks just like his father at that age: a long neck, the cutest ears slightly sticking out, and barely any teeth left in his little baby gums. He is in a wonderfully awkward and delightful stage that I absolutely cherish.

I would be remiss if I didn’t admit that I’m feeling a tinge of sadness as this kindergarten year comes to an end for my little boy, who has worked so diligently and grown tremendously this year. As a first-time kindergarten grad mom, I was not prepared for how emotional this journey would be.

The contrast between a kindergartener on the first day and a graduate is monumental. Watching my child flourish fills me with pride, yet it also brings a wave of nostalgia for the baby he was when he first stepped into “big kid school.”

During his first week of kindergarten, I had the joy of walking him to class. I helped him hang up his backpack and find his seat, and I was relieved to see with my own eyes that he was settling in. His first Friday was aptly named “Independence Day.” He wore a special shirt proclaiming, “I’m a kindergartener!” while his teachers donned red, white, and blue and lined the hallways to guide our little ones to their classrooms.

Driving away that morning was heart-wrenching. I didn’t have the comfort of watching him happily enter his class. I had to trust that he wouldn’t feel scared, get lost, or miss me, which felt nearly impossible. Tears streamed down my face during the ten-minute drive home, as I longed for 2:30 to arrive so I could hold him again.

As children often do, my kindergartener rose to the occasion. He was ready for Independence Day, even though it felt like just moments ago that he was still a baby.

Yet, he was still a bit green. He didn’t know how to write, find the bathroom, or use the drinking fountain. He wore a little tag on a lanyard around his neck to remember the code for lunch payments. Occasionally, he would cry at school because he missed his mommy, prompting his wonderful teacher to provide a quick, reassuring hug.

Now that graduation is approaching, all traces of uncertainty have vanished. He confidently navigates the school, even leading me by the hand when I volunteer in his class. His teacher has allowed him to visit the bathroom independently, as he now follows the procedures without needing reminders. Thankfully—unlike at home—he doesn’t spend that time flushing household items down the toilet! What a mischievous little monkey!

Like most of his classmates, he has absorbed an incredible amount of knowledge this year. On the first day, he could barely write his name or read single words. Now, he reads books, can write anything you ask him to, and has tackled basic math. Just this morning, he told my husband, “Mom bought 20 bags of crackers, but we ate three. 20 minus 3 is 17! We have 17 left!” Kindergarten truly does wonders.

I handed his teacher a timid little boy, and months later, she is returning to me a confident and capable student, ready to embark on the next phase of his education. As we approach all the “lasts” of his kindergarten year, I feel a mix of emotions—nostalgia for the baby that has grown up, admiration for his newfound maturity, and excitement for his bright future.

Jamie Taylor lives near Nashville, TN with her husband, three children, and two large dogs. She writes about embracing life in a fuller body, parenting, and marriage. Her work has appeared in various publications. Connect with Jamie on social media for more stories about life and parenting.

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In summary, my son’s kindergarten experience has been a transformative journey. From his nervous first days to his imminent graduation, he has blossomed into a confident learner, and I’m left feeling a mix of nostalgia and excitement for his future.

Keyphrase: kindergarten transformation

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