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Young House Love » Kids & Pets » First Day of School

| By John Petersik | September 21, 2012 | 257 Comments

First Day of School

Clara started preschool last week. Who took our baby and replaced her with this little girl?

Preschool First Day

After some debate, we decided to enroll Clara in a local 2-day per week preschool. It’s just the mornings, so she’s there for three hours on each of those two days. She loves being around other kids so we thought it was the right time for her… but we still held our breaths a bit on the first day. Would she cry? Would we cry? Would we get called half-way through to come pick her up because she was having an all-consuming sobbing fit?

Nope. There were dry eyes all around. Heck, Clara was so excited when she arrived that this is the only photo we managed to snag before she disappeared into the classroom. Seriously, she sprinted in without a look back in our direction.

Preschool In Classroom

When we picked her up three hours later she was all smiles and kept telling us how they sang and painted and played on the playground. Her teacher even reported that it was “the best first day of school” in all of her years of teaching. Apparently there were no tears from any of the twelve kids in her class, which has never happened before. So she is really excited about what the year ahead holds. And so are we.

Preschool Walking Out With Daddy

Since her first day, she has gone four times, and she still loves it. In fact almost every morning that she wakes up she says “I go to school today?” with a big hopeful grin. We almost feel bad saying “not today, Clara” when it’s not a school day. But we’re so glad that she’s having such a good time.

As for the all important first day of school photo, we decided to take them in front of our front door with Clara and her school bag (a sweet handmade gift that we got from our friend Abby).

Preschool Far Bag Over Head

As usual, she was a ham.

Preschool Far Bag Neck

Preschool Far Hand UP

Apparently the “hand in the air” is her new favorite pose.

Preschool Close Hand Up

This was her watching the elementary school bus roll by our house. Just a few more years ’til she’ll be on it. Crazy.

Preschool Close Shifty Eye

Preschool Close Nervous

As you saw from the first image in the post, we chose to Photoshop the information about what grade she’s in right onto the door itself (the font is called Raleway in case you’re interested). We broke the words up and spaced them that way intentionally so we can keep things somewhat consistent for all future years – like when this occasion rolls around in 2016 (although hopefully she’ll be a bit taller by then)…

Preschool Mock First Grade

How’d the first day of school go for your household? Any big milestones? Any “emotions” from you or your kids? Sherry got a little “misty” but no tears actually fell, so she’s saying it doesn’t count as crying.

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Comments

  1. Avatar for ashleyashley says

    September 21, 2012 at 9:32 am

    I don’t even like kids, never wanted them but Clara is an absolute doll. Such a cute personality!

    Reply
  2. Avatar for Alison @ Living JoyfullyAlison @ Living Joyfully says

    September 21, 2012 at 9:40 am

    Oh my goodness! Too cute for words! Good for Clara and Mommy and Daddy. But tell her that’s enough growing! Of course my 10 month old doesn’t listen to that either!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Young House LifeYoung House Life says

      September 21, 2012 at 9:51 am

      Haha, they never listen!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for Heather W.Heather W. says

      September 21, 2012 at 3:20 pm

      Hahaha… I know right.. I have done this every year for the first day of school too for my 13 and 9 year olds. They just keep getting older and bigger every year dang it!!! I wanted to lock them both down at 5 but they just wouldn’t listen…. =)

      Once they start school…… sigh.

  3. Avatar for Rebecca in NCRebecca in NC says

    September 21, 2012 at 9:41 am

    Awww! Our oldest son started kindergarten this year. He gets dropped off and gets to ride a bus and goes to after school care and everything. At the beginning, everything was easy peasy. When the novelty wore off, we had a rough two weeks, and this has been the first week of no melt downs in the evening. Fingers crossed that tonight is great, too, haha!

    Clara looks so adorable! It’s hard to believe she’s old enough for pre-k!!

    Reply
  4. Avatar for RebeccaRebecca says

    September 21, 2012 at 9:59 am

    So exciting! She is quite a stylin pre-schooler!

    Maybe it’s a different area thing, but I have only found one pre-school semi-locally that takes toddlers who aren’t potty trained (and many 3 years old too) – it’s 45 minutes away. Does that seem more common in your area? I was hoping to start my little one (11 months younger than Clara) next year, but I doubt she’ll be out of diapers by then.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Young House LifeYoung House Life says

      September 21, 2012 at 10:06 am

      Yes I think it’s really common here for two year olds to not be trained but the 3s usually need to be. Since its only three hours twice a week they have yet to change her diaper, so maybe they only do it when a kid poops? Haha.

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for AmberAmber says

      September 21, 2012 at 4:12 pm

      My son is in a Montessori pre-school that has a toddler class (most Montessori schools start at age 3), and they do not need to be potty trained. Montessori actually has a method for potty training that is supposed to encourage kids when they’re ready.

      He had the option of going 2, 3, or 5 days a week for half day (3 hours) or full day (5 hours). I work about 20 hours a week from home, so my hours are flexible, so we are happy to send him to “pre-school” instead of day care. I know of one other Montessori school in town like this, and church pre-school in the area that is Fridays only for 2-3 year olds, and they don’t require potty training either. Maybe it’s just because we’re in a metropolitan area?

  5. Avatar for KatieKatie says

    September 21, 2012 at 10:04 am

    I love how you’re really able to capture Clara’s personality in the photos you take of her – she seems like such a fun, sweet, spirited child! Glad to hear she’s enjoying school and that mom & dad survived the transition, too!

    Reply
  6. Avatar for Mandy SMandy S says

    September 21, 2012 at 10:14 am

    Aww, she’s growing up so fast! I’m sure the interaction is so good for her, and looks like she is loving it

    Reply
  7. Avatar for KathyKathy says

    September 21, 2012 at 10:20 am

    I found this year to be harder on me than any year…watching my senior daughter drive off to school. Knowing it was the last first day. She was smiling just like she has every first day. Enjoy these years they fly by so fast!!!

    Reply
  8. Avatar for MarthaMartha says

    September 21, 2012 at 10:23 am

    This is so exciting! I am not surprised she is loving school. Also, are those cute pink shoes her new favorites? Has she forsaken her crocs for something different?

    Reply
    • Avatar for Young House LifeYoung House Life says

      September 21, 2012 at 10:42 am

      Sadly school doesn’t allow crocs, so she has her “big girl school shoes” from Target. Haha. So far, she digs them!

      xo
      s

  9. Avatar for Sarah KateSarah Kate says

    September 21, 2012 at 10:24 am

    Clara is too cute! I love her flowy top and cute pixie hair style :) My son is 15 months old and rapidly ceasing to be a baby right before our eyes – funny how that happens! :)

    Reply
  10. Avatar for Jen WJen W says

    September 21, 2012 at 10:27 am

    Cute! I think she’s right at the ideal age where kids really enjoy interacting with other children, as well as other adults besides Mom & Dad. My daughter stayed home until she was two, then went into daycare. She loved it immediately.

    I love the front door/photoshopped words idea. Very cool.

    Reply
  11. Avatar for AmandaAmanda says

    September 21, 2012 at 10:32 am

    Congratulations, Clara!!!!! And congrats, Mama and Daddy on this big milestone for YOU guys :)

    Reply
  12. Avatar for AmyAmy says

    September 21, 2012 at 10:32 am

    My son started pre-school this week as well. I get the same questions about going to school too…and I do find myself feeling badly on the days that he isn’t going. I love when he comes home singing new songs and talking about what he did. So good to know they are having fun (even if they aren’t with us!)

    I love the first day of school pictures!!

    Reply
  13. Avatar for JessicaJessica says

    September 21, 2012 at 10:36 am

    AHHHH, how cute is she?? She looks so beautiful and grown-up, especially in the pic you chose to put the graphics on. It’s so great to watch her and your home grow, as my life is running almost parallel to yours (no babies yet, but we’re working on it). Thank you for sharing your life with us.

    Reply
  14. Avatar for Kristen | Popcorn on the StoveKristen | Popcorn on the Stove says

    September 21, 2012 at 10:39 am

    Clara looks so sweet in front of the yellow door! I love that you guys are doing this photo tradition with her and that she enjoys Pre-K so much :)

    Reply
  15. Avatar for RachelRachel says

    September 21, 2012 at 10:46 am

    So adorable! I love the photo with added text and Clara looks so excited to be going to school!

    Reply
  16. Avatar for MelissaMelissa says

    September 21, 2012 at 10:46 am

    Read this and couldn’t help but think that you should DIY a calendar or a days of the week board so you can see which days she goes to school and have fun crossing of the days in between.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Young House LifeYoung House Life says

      September 21, 2012 at 10:48 am

      John was actually saying the same thing! Could be a really fun project!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for Another SherryAnother Sherry says

      September 21, 2012 at 5:31 pm

      We bought one of the magnetic calendars and made our own magnets to show our daughter when she had school, ballet, and special events.

    • Avatar for Young House LifeYoung House Life says

      September 21, 2012 at 5:32 pm

      So cute!!

      xo,
      s

  17. Avatar for julie g.julie g. says

    September 21, 2012 at 10:46 am

    Love it and the door idea reminds me of John and his mom’s tradation with standing by the door for each birthday. And let’s not even talk about that outfit!!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Young House LifeYoung House Life says

      September 21, 2012 at 10:50 am

      Yes, we totally got the front door thing from that cute tradition. Not the outfit inspiration though… haha!

      xo
      s

  18. Avatar for SabrinaSabrina says

    September 21, 2012 at 10:47 am

    Aww! What a big girl! She has the same schedule as my almost 4 year old. She loves it! Started going last year and now she is one of the “big kids” before they start kindergarten. My little guy will start next year, they grow up so fast! I am so paranoid about her taking a bus lol

    Reply
  19. Avatar for galegale says

    September 21, 2012 at 10:50 am

    Awwww, so cute!! Makes me remeber fondly when my kids (now 19, 21, 24 and 27) were in preschool – where did the time go??!! :)

    Reply
  20. Avatar for TammyTammy says

    September 21, 2012 at 10:51 am

    Hi John and Sherry!

    How did you guys decide on which preschool? I have a 4 1/2 month old and am already thinking about these things! So happy Clara is doing so well!

    xo,
    Tammy

    Reply
    • Avatar for Young House LifeYoung House Life says

      September 21, 2012 at 10:59 am

      We just chatted with some parents that we know around town to see which ones they liked and then met with the school that kept coming up as a favorite and immediately knew it was the right fit! They have a great “can-do kids” philosophy, so they like to give them confidence to do things for themselves, since it makes them so happy and accomplished (ex: Clara hangs up her own school bag every morning when we get there instead of us doing it for her). She loves it!

      xo
      s

  21. Avatar for Whitney DupuisWhitney Dupuis says

    September 21, 2012 at 10:52 am

    My husband and I both work in offices so my son started going to “school” when he was just six months old. I cried so hard that day (and honestly several days after that). I am finding though that it is so good for them socially and developmentally to be around other children. Canon is now 2 1/2, and though he is going through a separation anxiety phase and doesn’t want to be dropped off, he LOVES his “teachers” and friends.

    I think it is wonderful that Clara loves her school. She is getting to be such a big girl!

    Reply
  22. Avatar for KendallKendall says

    September 21, 2012 at 10:53 am

    It is so amazing this whole blogging thing. I am surprised by how much I care for you and your family through this blog. Seeing Clara grow up on these posts is sometimes one of the best parts of my day. I can’t wait to share with my husband content from the blog, and it is always the Clara posts. I’ll text him at work or get home and show him on the iPad a new “Clara video” or “Clara post”. To see this bright, beautiful, and hilarious little girl grow up from afar is such a wonderful gift you have given this community. I want to thank you for sharing her with the world. I can understand some parents hesitation in keeping their children out of their blogs, but I’m so glad you have decided to blog about Clara’s milestones.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Young House LifeYoung House Life says

      September 21, 2012 at 11:00 am

      Aw, you’re so sweet!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for SueSue says

      September 21, 2012 at 12:09 pm

      So well said, Kendall! Reading this and the “main” YHL blog are among the best parts of my day, too.

    • Avatar for ElizabethElizabeth says

      September 21, 2012 at 4:52 pm

      Totally agree. I feel like her auntie from afar.

    • Avatar for SarahSarah says

      September 21, 2012 at 5:04 pm

      Me too! Sometimes I’ll check multiple times in the morning until new posts are on! haha :) YHL is like my morning coffee!

    • Avatar for MelissaMelissa says

      September 22, 2012 at 11:44 am

      I also agree!! You guys are the peanut butter to my bagel.

    • Avatar for Young House LifeYoung House Life says

      September 22, 2012 at 1:21 pm

      Aw shucks, that’s sweet. Haha.

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for HemmaHemma says

      September 23, 2012 at 4:46 pm

      Sooo Agree- and yes and yes and yes to the other posts except for the peanut butter on the bagel (blegh-haha). Told a friend about this phenomena and she just stared at me and said “you do what? A blog? A couple? A child? DYI? And you don’t even know them? HuH?!?!?” I just smiled. Many others DO understand. Like all of yer ga-thousands of fans.

    • Avatar for DianaDiana says

      September 24, 2012 at 1:24 pm

      So true… seeing a Clara post or video always puts a smile on my face.:)

  23. Avatar for JenniferJennifer says

    September 21, 2012 at 10:54 am

    Yeah! So glad she likes it…not surprising! She is adorable and ready to play! Love it!

    Reply
  24. Avatar for StephanieStephanie says

    September 21, 2012 at 10:54 am

    oh lord the cuteness of this girl! she is just darling and I love her first day of school outfit!! Glad she has such a great time there!

    Reply
  25. Avatar for MaureenMaureen says

    September 21, 2012 at 10:56 am

    I love Clara’s outfit! Do they make that shirt in adult sizes? :)

    This is such a precious post and thanks for sharing your daughter with all of us. I miss these days of having a little cutie to dress for school and buy adorable things for. LOL

    Reply
    • Avatar for Young House LifeYoung House Life says

      September 21, 2012 at 10:58 am

      Haha I wish they made that shirt in adult sizes! It’s from Old Navy so I’m holding out hope. Haha.

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for MizdenMizden says

      September 21, 2012 at 3:28 pm

      Those kind of shirts are in all sizes in central and south of Mexico, if you ever go to Mexico, you can purchase one like that one.

    • Avatar for Young House LifeYoung House Life says

      September 21, 2012 at 3:33 pm

      No way! I love that!

      xo
      s

  26. Avatar for Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication[email protected] says

    September 21, 2012 at 10:56 am

    She looks so adorable! So glad she’s having a good time at school! :)

    Reply
  27. Avatar for SuniSuni says

    September 21, 2012 at 10:56 am

    Loving Clara’s first day of pre-school outfit, so much better than John’s… I’m so happy she’s enjoying her days there, and that you and John are doing so well with it too!

    Reply
  28. Avatar for ElizabethElizabeth says

    September 21, 2012 at 10:56 am

    I LOVE THIS. She is just so damn beautiful!!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for CindyCindy says

      September 22, 2012 at 11:21 am

      umm, yeah! I noticed how in pic 7 (second hand in the air), she’s really looking like you Sherry! Can’t tell you why, but i see it :) Beautiful Girls! John- watch out! BTW- you guys have recently become a part of my morning routine- love y’all!

    • Avatar for Young House LifeYoung House Life says

      September 22, 2012 at 1:21 pm

      Aw thanks Cindy!

      xo,
      s

  29. Avatar for RachelRachel says

    September 21, 2012 at 10:56 am

    HOLY MOLY CANNOLI!! THE cutest “first day” picture EVER!!

    Reply
  30. Avatar for paintergalpaintergal says

    September 21, 2012 at 10:57 am

    Precious times.
    Still lovin’ that yellow door.

    Reply
  31. Avatar for RachelRachel says

    September 21, 2012 at 10:57 am

    She is so beautiful… I love the outfit :-) And its so great she is excited about school. I really enjoy following along over here… so crazy how quickly time passes!

    Reply
  32. Avatar for ClareClare says

    September 21, 2012 at 10:58 am

    Are you serious? She is getting cuter by the minute! She looks sooo grown up in the first picture. Hooray for Clara!

    Reply
  33. Avatar for Susan DSusan D says

    September 21, 2012 at 11:01 am

    She looks so much like you, Sherry!

    Reply
  34. Avatar for ReenieReenie says

    September 21, 2012 at 11:03 am

    OMG….adorable photos. Love her lil outfit….and her book bag is about as big as she is. HA! Too cute!!

    Reply
  35. Avatar for AmandaAmanda says

    September 21, 2012 at 11:04 am

    So sweet!! What a pretty girl. And I am so in love with her top!! Where did you get it??

    Reply
    • Avatar for Young House LifeYoung House Life says

      September 21, 2012 at 11:06 am

      That was from Old Navy about seven months ago. We got it for our trip to Hawaii! Haha.

      xo
      s

  36. Avatar for VeronicaVeronica says

    September 21, 2012 at 11:04 am

    Just an idea, a few photographer friends take a first & LAST day of school picture. So not only do you document their changes from one school year to the next, but you can see how much they have changed/ grown throughout each year.

    My baby has been in daycare since 11 months old (She will be two next month) And she still loves it. It’s hard on me though cause she is there full time and I am a working mama. But it is amazing to see the things they pick up from the other kids/adults. She even has her first BFF. A little girl who’s bday is 4 days before hers. They call out for each other when they get to class and hug each other everyday when I pick her up. Often times her BFF is the first one to hug me when I get there to pick uo my daughter, my girl is too busy playing :)

    I love reading your Clara posts, I get a mommy fix at work :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for Young House LifeYoung House Life says

      September 21, 2012 at 11:07 am

      Love that idea! Really sweet!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for Krys72599Krys72599 says

      September 21, 2012 at 11:49 am

      LOVE that idea because not only do you see how much they’ve grown in one school year, OMG, can they sprout up over the summer! What a great way to watch that!!!

  37. Avatar for AnikaAnika says

    September 21, 2012 at 11:05 am

    I cannot believe Clara is old enough to be going to preschool – crazy! It seems like just last week we were reading about you guys bringing her home and doing weekly photo shoots. Thanks for sharing this adorable snippet of life with us all.

    Reply
  38. Avatar for JillJill says

    September 21, 2012 at 11:06 am

    Sherry! She looks so much like you in that first photo! What a little cutie.

    Reply
  39. Avatar for emem says

    September 21, 2012 at 11:07 am

    Very cute and I’m glad school went well! And now I’m going to be a jerk and ask a very tangentially related question. I love your first day of school photo and wish I could have done that instead of using a chalkboard. But, I couldn’t because of the ugly storm door in front of our pretty painted orange wooden door. I know you chose to go without a storm door and I was wondering why. The only reasons we have a storm door is because it came with the house, everyone else has one, and I assumed it provides our wooden door with protection from the elements. We never change out the glass to a screen because we live in DC which is too hot in the summer to open windows and too cold in the winter (I assume similar to Richmond?) Do you guys have a wooden door as well? And it doesn’t get destroyed by extreme temperature and pounding rain? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Young House LifeYoung House Life says

      September 21, 2012 at 11:28 am

      Oh yes, our house came with one too (and our first house as well) but we realized we liked the look without one (in our neighborhood there are many homes with them and many without them). We had no issues with our solid wood door without a storm door in the 4.5 years at our first house or the past year and a half here, so I think as long as you keep the door painted (aka: so it’s not raw and chipping and more damaged by moisture) it should all good. Hope it helps!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for Krys72599Krys72599 says

      September 21, 2012 at 11:52 am

      LOVE the LOOK of no screen door, but absolutely, positively could not live without one. Hubby doesn’t like A/C so spring, summer and fall, we almost always have the front and back doors open, bringing in a lovely breeze and keeping the house aired out… Admittedly it’s not as photogenic, but…

    • Avatar for WendyWendy says

      September 21, 2012 at 3:44 pm

      I just wanted to add that if you need a screen door but don’t like the look – Home Depot sells unpainted wood frame screen doors that you can paint the same colour as your regular door. Then the screen door is harder to see. I also just like the look better than an aluminum door – especially on the front of a house.
      Also love the picture of Clara – she is darling!

    • Avatar for Young House LifeYoung House Life says

      September 21, 2012 at 3:47 pm

      Smart!

      xo
      s

  40. Avatar for StephanieStephanie says

    September 21, 2012 at 11:07 am

    Love the picture with the bag on her head. Reminds me of my son’s preschool pose.

    Reply
  41. Avatar for NikkiNikki says

    September 21, 2012 at 11:07 am

    She is such a cutie!!!

    Reply
  42. Avatar for Colleen C.Colleen C. says

    September 21, 2012 at 11:08 am

    Oh my goodness say it isn’t so!…Clara is already in Pre-School…I just can’t believe it…I am so glad she loves it and is doing well with going to school…I hope you both are doing ok with her going to school as well.

    Reply
  43. Avatar for AliciaAlicia says

    September 21, 2012 at 11:08 am

    I have to comment and tell you how adorable/beautiful Clara is! I’m sure you already know that but I just think she is the cutest thing (almost as cute as my daughters are, haha!) And I love her outfit, she’s quite the fashionista!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Young House LifeYoung House Life says

      September 21, 2012 at 11:25 am

      Aw thanks Alicia! We think she’s pretty cute, although I guess we’re biased. Hahah!

      xo
      s

  44. Avatar for JanelleJanelle says

    September 21, 2012 at 11:09 am

    I love her Bohemian top — very cute!

    Reply
  45. Avatar for LauraLaura says

    September 21, 2012 at 11:10 am

    Way to go Clara!! My Daughter is having a hard time adjusting to preschool and it makes it so tough for me. Mine is 3 years old and goes 3 mornings each week. Did you guys have to tackle potty training for her to attend? We did! Thankfully that was easy for us!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Young House LifeYoung House Life says

      September 21, 2012 at 11:27 am

      Wow, you’re so lucky that it was easy! Clara isn’t potty trained but she goes on the potty sometimes (when she’s in the mood) but thankfully we didn’t have to push it since the 2 year olds in her class don’t need to be trained (just the three year old kids in the class above hers do). She’s slowly getting the hang of the potty thing though, so here’s hoping by the time it’s required she’ll be all set!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for Meagan {Green Motherhood}Meagan {Green Motherhood} says

      September 21, 2012 at 1:49 pm

      Such a big girl! So glad she’s liking preschool.
      We’re taking it slow with the potty training too. I feel like it’s the one thing we can’t control for them! Isla June just started using the potty (like just 3 days ago!) and insisted on going down for nap in her “big girl underwear”. I’m pretty sure it’s not going to go well, but I had to let her try!
      Good luck!

  46. Avatar for Ginny @ goofymonkeysGinny @ goofymonkeys says

    September 21, 2012 at 11:10 am

    YAY for preschool! My little guy just had his first day of orientation today and his first real day is next week so we’ll have pics then. I honestly think that preschool is great for kids – low key playtime with peers.

    Looks like Clara had a blast!

    Reply
  47. Avatar for KarenKaren says

    September 21, 2012 at 11:11 am

    Clara’s little face just makes me smile. It’s a great idea to take these pictures. I swear, it really was just yesterday when I took my oldest daughter to her pre-school, and this morning she was 12. Blink.of.an.eye. Capture every moment you can, and enjoy all these firsts!

    Reply
  48. Avatar for ErikaErika says

    September 21, 2012 at 11:11 am

    I don’t know how you didn’t cry, b/c I got a little teary just looking at the pics and reading the post!

    The pictures are absolutely adorable, and I love her first day of school outfit.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Young House LifeYoung House Life says

      September 21, 2012 at 11:25 am

      I was fighting it big-time, it was just such an exciting day and she was so smiley so I was trying not to be the bawling momma. Hahaha!

      xo
      s

  49. Avatar for LaurenLauren says

    September 21, 2012 at 11:12 am

    She is so darn cute! I also started preschool at 2 (though I needed to for social reasons… I was painfully shy!) and plan to do the same with my daughter. Did you find that many preschools you looked at had waiting lists or were there plenty of openings?

    I’m so glad Clara is loving school. Let’s hope that’s a good sign for when she goes to “big girl” school in a few years! :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for Young House LifeYoung House Life says

      September 21, 2012 at 11:24 am

      Clara actually got wait-listed since we took so long to figure out if we wanted to enroll her (with the tour being unsettled at that time we were nervous to make big calls like that before we knew our travel dates, etc) but thankfully there was one last minute opening at the end of August (literally about three weeks before it started) so she squeaked in! Whew.

      xo
      s

  50. Avatar for JenJen says

    September 21, 2012 at 11:12 am

    My 2 1/2 year old, Katie, went to her first day of preschool, too. She had been in daycare until this past December so I thought it would be easy for me (wasn’t sure about her!). She had the same reaction as Clara on day 1. I got “misty” though! Day 2 was much harder for both of us – she fell apart, which caused me to fall apart, too. Admittedly there were lots of crying kiddos in her class. I wonder how much that influences the teary goodbyes? Yikes! But it has gotten better each day and in the end we’ll be just fine!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Young House LifeYoung House Life says

      September 21, 2012 at 11:23 am

      Oh yes, I definitely think other kids influence them! It was so great that no one cried the first few drop offs because now everyone just runs right in. I think they just associate it with total fun since no one was bawling. So grateful!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for RebeccaRebecca says

      September 21, 2012 at 7:55 pm

      Yep, One kiddo crying at drop off can be contagious. You can have a room full of happy kids and then one cryer can set the lot off. So jealous of Clara’s teacher’s first day this year! I teach Kindergarten in Australia and many of the kids in our school community don’t attend preschool before starting to school. Many of them have never even spent time away from mum before, so the first week can be messy on both sides. I’ve actually had to lock a parent out of the room to get him to leave his daughter alone 1.5hrs after drop off (I’d just get her calmed down & he’d reappear in the room making her cry all over again). We run a 6 week transition the year before and try to wok out which kids will be the happy kids and which will be the cryers so that we can stagger their arrival over the two ‘first days’ of school and across the 6 classes. Doesn’t always work though!

    • Avatar for Young House LifeYoung House Life says

      September 21, 2012 at 8:21 pm

      Wow! I hope you have a no-crying class someday! Apparently Clara’s teacher had done this for 8 years or so and this was the first time- she couldn’t believe it!

      xo
      s

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