And then he will leave the nest

Last week my 2-year-old son did what many children of his age do. He started preschool.

Keep in mind, he has been at home with me since birth. We have a routine and we enjoy our time together. We do arts and crafts, read, play games and share many other activities. 

I enlisted the advice of my family and friends on how to deal with the first day of preschool on behalf of both of us, because I wasn’t sure what to expect from him or myself. The consensus was that I would feel like I was abandoning a piece of me and that he would let me know it by making me feel indescribably guilty with his tears and cries of loneliness. 

So I braced myself for something that at first would be one of the hardest things I have done as a mom, but knowing it was also one of the best things I could do for him.

When the first day of preschool finally arrived, we both woke up ready for a new adventure. Although he was a little unsure what he was doing since he had no idea what “school” was, he was excited as a direct result of my eagerness and anticipation.

We had breakfast, put his supplies in his backpack and packed his lunch together. We got in the car and started on our way. As we drove down the road we talked about how much fun he would have and all the people he could meet. I think I was trying to convince myself more than him. I could feel myself wanting to cry for so many reasons: happiness, pride, and just being a mom knowing my little boy is growing up.

We walked into the school and saw all the other kids from his class and many others.  He walked in like he knew exactly what to do, like he was an old pro. It made me smile when I saw what an amazing little man he is.

He went into his classroom and acted like he had been doing it his whole life. I even had a difficult time getting him to take a minute to come say good bye to me. Unlike his mom, he apparently has no separation anxiety.

When I returned that afternoon to pick him up, he was not ready to leave because he had so much fun. When I asked him what he did, he went down a long list. His favorite activity was playing with the other kids, one little girl in particular.

So he has developed his first school crush on his first day in school.  YIKES!

I guess that all in all, the day and first week were a success. I found that no matter how much I plan for an event, it never plays out the way I imagined.

I see the week as many parents do: It’s the first step to independence and eventually leaving the nest. As my father has told me numerous times, one of the best things to give our children are roots and wings. I see my little boy’s wings sprouting and there is not be a more wonderful sight.

Former radio personality Carey DeBeaux, who  grew up in Rio Rancho, is now raising two sons with her husband Tim. Her column on family life will appear on a regular basis. Click here to contact her.