A peek inside this post: My youngest is starting school and, well, I have some feelings about it. Many parents feel a sense of Kindergarten Empty Nest when the youngest starts school, but I want to encourage you (and myself) to embrace this new part of the journey. If you’re sending your baby to Kindergarten, let’s work through this transition together!
It has been a wonderful eleven years being a stay at home mom of four kids. This year, I will finally achieve a monumental feat…sending my last child to school. I thought this day would never come, and I’m not quite sure how I feel about it.
I wrote a post a couple years ago to the Exhausted Mom of Toddlers. At the time, *I* was the tired mom, trying my best to share what those years are like with little ones at home. This stage can be so hard, and can deplete you of any selfishness you once had.
I encourage you to look at that busy season with babies at home as a blessing and a time of God refining you, rather than the way the world looks at it as a burden.
I will look back on my days as a SAHM with babies and toddlers fondly. I will remember how hard it was, but that we all persevered through the long days and came out better for them. I will thank God for those wonderful days at home.
But now I’m heading into a new phase of being a Stay at Home Mom. I’m sending my baby, my fourth child, my sweet son, to Kindergarten. After being a Stay at Home Mom for eleven years, I never thought this time would come when I’d have all my kids in school.
How I Feel About My Youngest Starting School
Part of me feels excited to have a clean house for a few hours a day, to put more time into side jobs that I’m passionate about, and to be able to run to a store without toting a child along.
I hope to start a cleaning schedule, work out regularly, and I’m looking forward to doing some new projects around the house.
>> Read Kids are Back to School, What Now for Homemakers?
The other part of me is nervous to start this new chapter…done raising babies and onto raising kids who will soon be as tall as me. While kids are home, I know what they’re doing, who they’re with, and can foster their growth in whatever way I see a need.
I love my kids so much, and want to give them just enough of everything they need. But sending them to school for seven hours each day doesn’t allow me to know the ins and outs of everything about them.
And also, how is it possible my five year old baby boy is starting kindergarten?
He seems so young to be gone all day. He’s used to taking his mornings slow, having snacks throughout the day, and riding bikes with me around town. Will he adjust to this new, busy lifestyle? I’m going to miss his kisses and snuggles throughout my day.
After a week or two in school, his nerves and mine will calm. I just want to know that he’ll be happy and adjust to this huge new change in his life.
Kindergarten Empty Nest vs. The Next Adventure in our Parenting Journey
Moms work so hard investing into their kids’ hearts, and then we’re just supposed to let go?
Some call it the Kindergarten Empty Nest, but I prefer to think of it as the next adventure in my parenting journey.
Today I was excited to think about school starting. The kids can get back in their routine, learning and growing. I love hearing their stories about school and new friends. We live in a small town and I feel so comforted by knowing each of their teachers and trusting their role in my children’s lives.
I’m choosing to be thankful about this new phase, sending all my kids to school this year, rather than focusing on the unknowns of raising big kids.
There are so many things we can worry ourselves over, so instead of worrying without purpose, let’s choose to trust that this new phase is good for us and our kids.
I will choose to trust God and pray for peace. I will pray for my kids’ choices, their friends, their teachers, their protection, and their hearts to seek Him. In this day and age, I will pray for them to be bold and strong in their beliefs, because their faith will direct them in the best way to go.
Read: 8 Tips for Building a Strong Christian Family
With so many issues dividing our country and even affecting our schools, it’s a difficult time to send any of my kids to school. I pray for our administration and staff to prioritize the kids and stand up for what is right, even if it’s difficult.
Will you join me in praying for our school-aged kids? And choosing peace in our hearts through knowing God?
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philipians 4:6-7
Sending My Baby to Kindergarten and Looking Forward
It’s going to be an incredible new season of life! I get to be a homemaker who takes care of all the tasks around home, prepares for my family’s needs, and I get to pursue my passions with God’s direction.
I’d like to leave you with this scripture today, Friend:
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:3-4
I hope you feel just as excited for whatever phase of life God has you in now! Choose thankfulness for the stage you’re in. And present your requests to God, so He can fulfill the desires of your heart.
Related Posts:
Seasons of Motherhood and Finding Joy in Each One – We go through so many different seasons and phases during our parenting journey. Will you join me in appreciating where you are today?
Trust Us, Mama, You Need a Sick Day Survival Kit – Now that your little one has started school, be prepared for more germs! This DIY Sick Kit will make sure you have everything you need on hand when sickness strikes.
Resting in God’s Grace: a Quick Guide for Moms – Choose to rest in God’s grace, with me, by taking some time each day to praise God, thank Him for all the blessings in your life, and shift your focus on trusting Him with your day.
Best Tips for Packing School Lunches That Make It Less Annoying – Trust me, the novelty of packing lunches wears off fast. Try these ideas to make it less of a chore!
Get Your Shenanigans Together with a Simple Family Command Center – Keep everyone’s schedules straight and create a home that thrives!
Simple Fall Recipes for Kids The start of school means fall is just around the corner! Whip up some of these delicious fall foods that the kids will enjoy!