Excitement and Anxiety – Having a Freshman and a Kindergartner

Sure, it’s still winter, but it seems like spring in Arizona. I’m experiencing a time warp, because I’m already thinking about fall. Not because I just want to fast-forward through the Arizona summer (although, skipping the blistering heat isn’t a bad idea). Rather because 3 of my 4 children will be making major school changes in the fall.

Warning: High School Ahead

From high schooler to kindergartner…

My oldest son is going to high school. I was just in high school, right? How is it even possible that I have a child going to high school?!? Gah!

I’m excited for him though. He’ll be moving from a small charter school with 75 kids in his class, to a public high school with over 500 kids in his class. This will be a pretty big change for him, but I think he’s ready. A larger school means more opportunity for athletics, which is his passion.

What really brought this transition home was attending his high school orientation the other night. Lots of people, lots or information, lots of choices. He wants to go to college & play sports, so we’ll need to help him chose wisely to ensure he gets the right combination of classes.

Becoming a parent to a high schooler is a little scary. I’m going from knowing everyone he hangs out with, and their families, to maybe not knowing much about friends he has. I’ll have to work harder to be aware of what is going on in his life. That can be seriously challenging with social media and all the other stuff that goes on with teenagers, so I’m a little anxious. However, I know my job is to raise a person capable of making responsible choices, so that’s what I’ll continue to focus on.

Middle School

My 2nd oldest is headed to middle school. This will be a very tangible change for him because he’ll move from class to class instead of staying in just one place for the school day. There will be lots of opportunity for growth. While this is a big adjustment for him, it doesn’t have as much as an impact for me, because I’ve already been here with my oldest. I guess knowing what to expect helps manage the emotion associated with these milestones.

My older daughter is headed to 4th grade. At least there won’t be any big changes for her this year!

No More Babies At Home

And finally, what really brings all this evolution to an emotional peak is my baby going to kindergarten. Don’t get me wrong, I’m ready for my youngest to go to head off to school. I’m also looking forward be being involved with her class because she’s the youngest.

The most significant shift for me will be not going to the preschool every weekday. This is our 12th year at our preschool but we won’t be back in the fall. Each child had 4 years at this preschool and I’m definitely going to miss the “family” we’ve created there.

When these changes come all at once, it tends to make me reflect on where I’m at. Because I have a 14 year old and 5 year old, a lot of moms in my circle of friends are 5-10 years younger than me. Sometimes this makes me feel old. Most of the time though I just feel blessed that I’m able to experience all of these phases of life with my kids.

What are the changes you are experiencing in your life? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.