I am a complete mess.
I am absolutely and utterly perplexed that I have a five year old. This means that she gets to venture off into the world of school. I have never been more terrified.
For a year now my husband and I have been battling back and forth with what the right option is for her schooling. Public school or home-school? As parents this has been the toughest decision that we have ever been faced with thus far. It is a decision we did not take lightly. There were many pros and cons to both sides and I completely respect both sides. But after much debate we have chosen to put Annaliese in public school. The moment that those words came out of my mouth, I cried. I tried to hold it in. I wanted to be strong and I mean come on, its not like the first day of school. It was the day we made a decision, and I am crying? I could not contain myself. Every emotion that I could possibly feel was felt in that moment.
Sadness- for knowing that my little darling will not be with me all the time.
Happiness- for knowing that she will get to experience school.
Relief- this decision has been looming over me.
Scared- for hoping that we have made the right decision.
Panic- that I am behind with signing her up for school.
Exhausted- because apparently this was a decision that I had so much effort put into it that once made I felt like I could sleep the rest of the day.
Confident- that we were making the right decision.
Worried- that she will like it and be happy.
I spiraled from there. Even now thinking about it I cannot help but get teary eyed. My baby. My little high maintenance, independent, loud mouth is going to school. I pray for those children.
I never thought we would reach this moment (I know that is completely irrational cause we age, yes, we all get a year older) but apparently I thought not my children. Nope not them. They will continue to stay three and four for eternity. How could time so quickly escape me? Have I not been paying much attention? I long for the days that I held her in my arms, feeding her at 3 in the morning. I long for the excitement of the first step or the first word. But these things are distant memories. These are things that I will never have again with her.
I hope she will be okay. I hope that no one hurts her. I hope that she won’t be sad. I hope she succeeds. She has never been away from me. So this is a big step. A big step for her and a big step for me. A new adventure awaits us.
Oh man! I understand! And I feel a little teary eyed reading through your thought process as you worked through the weight of this decision. But remember, every year is a new year and you are always able to find a new path if this one doesn’t work. It doesn’t have to carry quite so much weight when you know you can change things if it doesn’t work. She is going to be okay, mama, and she is going to LOVE school!
Thank you so much Lisa! It definitely helps knowing that I can always change my mind and go a different path.
I can absolutely relate because I’m having the same struggle. My son is turning 4 next month and all I’ve been thinking about is if he’ll be home schooled or will we send him to public school. It literally has my stomach in knots. I’m glad you made the best decision for your daughter. I hope she enjoys herself and learns a lot 🙂
It is a scary decision. Hope you are able to come to a decision that is best for your family and that your stomach comes untied! haha Thank you so much I hope she enjoys it too!!
You’re daughter is beautifuL!
Your*
thank you so much!
Congratulations on making a decision very proud of you !!! Yay I know you feel better. I know tons of people that home school but public school was definitely the right choice for us and we absolutely love it !! But I still freak out sometimes like is she ok? Will ppl pick on her? And so on its so tuff and rewarding. Good luck on your school journey you seem like Ana awesome mom.
Thank you so much for the kind words!
she will flourish!
Gorgeous photo of your daughter! Thanks for sharing your emotional journey 🙂 Lovely post 🙂
I completely understand. I love how you described your feelings. The photos are fab and wishing all the happiness and success for your daughter.
Awww your daughter is beautiful and good for you for being so concerned for her education!! Most people only think there’s one way for their children to get an education but there are SO many different ways to educate. It must feel great to have that decision made! Good luck to you & her when school does start this fall!
Thank you so much for the beautiful comment!