Many parents are flocking to the stores and getting the last needed items to send their kids to school. While I am ready for summer to be over, I am not ready to send my kids to school. I am going to be missing the first day of school.
I work in the school system. It means I will miss every single first day of school for my kids. From preschool and onwards, I won’t get to be there to see them at the door of their classroom and as they find out who their teacher is. I don’t get to give them a hug goodbye and help calm their nerves.
I will be at school for another child’s first day.
I will be there to help the someone else’s children settle into the classroom and get to know their peers. I will be there to help facilitate things. If a child has a question I will do my best to answer it. I will be there to help label things in the classroom. I will be there to help calm the nerves of someone else’s child who doesn’t want to stay in the class. To welcome them with a smile and hopefully let them know they are welcome.
I will miss many other things this school year. I am unable to request time off to be with my own kids. As much as I want to be there for those school recitals that my child has worked so hard on. When the field trip notice comes home I am never able to check off that I am able to go. There will be no pumpkin patch visits with mud covered boots and all sorts of fun memories for me and my children.
Instead, I will be at work. Missing the first day of school for my kids.
Some have made snide comments about how it’s my choice to work. Yes, it is in part my choice to work. It’s also a need for my family. I have to work to help provide. I also love my job. While I miss seeing my own kids at their schools, I get to see so many other children through their school years. I feel called to help children and to work in the school system. Maybe one day I will be able to request a day or two off to get to go on a field trip or see that school recital with the horribly off-key singing and band instruments. For now, I can’t. It would sadly be denied quickly.
My heart will be a little heavy next week as I miss seeing my kids go to school for the first day of grade one and the first day ever of school. I know my husband will take lots of photos for me to try and keep me included. It’s not the same. Tears will be rolling down my cheek as I look at them during my coffee break. Please know my mama’s heart will be hurting a little, but I will do my best to see your kids through on their first day of school.
It’s going to be a good year because we’re all in this together.
Evie’s Outfit / Romper Peekaboo Beans
Addie’s Outfit / Shirt + Pants Peekaboo Beans
My Outfit / Shirt Old Navy Jeans Old Navy
Diaper Bag / Fawn Design
I’m sorry to hear that. But it’s so nice to know that there are so many amazing parents that are there for my kids. Thank you!! and such beautiful pictures!
Sweetest pictures!! I love sunflowers, they get me every time
I missed the first 5 of my sons first days of school… and honestly nothing is different now that I stay home and with my second kid. I dont think you are missing out on anything. It is nice to be around when the kids get off the bus though.. especially the first couple days
I know it’s not the same, but it sounds like your husband will be there making sure you don’t miss a smile on their first day! Then you can listen to their cute ‘first-day’ stories too.
Oh mama, as a fellow working mom I so relate to this as well! Thanks for sharing this with all of us!
Thanks for sharing this – as a fellow working mama I can so relate to the struggle.
I’m a teacher too and I feel your pain! Even though my hubby takes pics for me too, it’s definitely not the same. Seeing them ljne up with their class, give one last wave as they go in to start their new adventures… I miss that. But I try to think about the huge hug and kiss I’ll give and get when I pick them up from their after school program and then hear all about their first day. Just know that you’re not alone mama! ❤