If you, like me, are feeling ALL the emotions, both good and bad, as your kiddo’s first day of school approaches, I hope you find comfort in these words. a letter I wrote to myself to help my process all of the thoughts and feelings I am experiencing.

It’s here. You hoped for it, but also dreaded it. You knew it was coming soon… so soon, but also tried to pretend it was years away.  Tomorrow your little one will walk through the doors of an elementary school, where she will spend almost 8 hours per day.

You are so excited for her.  You are confident she will make friends, love her teachers, love learning, and have so much fun.  You would be willing to be that she will walk out of school on that first day and say, “I wish I could stay longer!”

You are also excited for you.  These past 5 and a half years haven’t always been easy.  You’ve been stressed, you’ve been overwhelmed, and you’re looking forward to having some control (and quiet) during the daytime.  This whole stay-at-home-mom gig hasn’t always been kind to you, and you can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

But you’re also sad.  You’re sad because your almost-constant companion over the past 5 and a half years will be away from you for almost 8 hours each day.  You’re sad because this has been your purpose since the day she was born.  Your job was full-time mom.  Now she’ll spend much of the day at school and it feels as if a piece of your heart is being ripped out.  It feels as if you’ll be left with a giant hole, and you have no idea what to fill it with. 

But don’t worry, mama.  This transition may be hard, but you’ll get through it.  Millions of moms have survived this struggle.  Millions of moms have cried while dropping their child off for the first day of school.  This is normal.  And your purpose is not changing.  Your days may look different.  You may get less face-to-face time during the school year.  But you’re still her mommy.  That will never change, and you’re still so super important to your child, even after they hit the milestone of Kindergarten.

And mama, you have done an amazing job.  For the past 5 and a half years, you’ve done ALL the things for her.  You’ve BEEN all the things for her.  You have done so well.  Look at your little one walking into that school.  You’ve raised that child.  She is smart, she is kind, she is generous and loving.  She has a wonderful imagination, knows how to laugh, and knows how to make others smile.  She is fun and gives the best hugs, and makes your heart feel like it will explode from loving her so hard and so fiercely.

This is a hard transition, mama, but it will get easier. Sit with your feelings for a while. Feel the excitement.  Feel the sadness.  Feel the hope.  Feel the dread.  Feel it all, and know that it’s normal.  But also know that you’re going to be fine.  She’s going to be fine.  Put your hand over your heart and remind yourself that it’s all going to be okay.