Tomorrow is your first day
of preschool at a new school. I know you’ve
done this before, but this year is different.
You’ll be in school for four mornings a week. That’s kind of a big deal when you’re only
three and a half years old. Speaking of being
three and a half, how did that happen so quickly? It seems like just yesterday I held you in my
arms for the first time. Tomorrow, I have
to let you go, just a little. In many
ways, I’m ready and in many ways, I’m not.
But, it’ll be good for you to go out there on your own. Today I feel a little torn and nervous and excited
for you. As your mother, I want to
protect you; I want to be your soft place to land. You see, life is glorious and amazing and
beautiful. But it’s also sometimes
painful and sad and hard. If I shield
you from all of life’s heartaches, if I step in every time you stumble, you
won’t grow in the ways you need to grow.
You’re still so young, trying to figure out how to navigate the world
beyond our little family of four (but the truth is, sometimes...a lot of the
time, so am I). So, before you walk
through those doors tomorrow, this is what I want you to know:
The kinder you are to
others, the kinder they will be to you.
Play fair. Be gentle. Share.
Have patience.
Keep your hands to yourself
and respect other people’s space.
Be polite and use your
manners. Say, “please” and “thank-you”
and “I’m sorry".
Listen...really listen. To your teaches. To your friends. Others have a lot to offer.
Stay curious. Ask lots of questions. Don’t ever lose your sense of wonder.
Be yourself, you’re such an
amazing little man. Have the confidence
to stand up for yourself when it matters and step back when it doesn’t.
Find peace and happiness on
your own terms. We will always stand
behind you.
You will make mistakes and
that’s okay. Everyone does. That’s how we learn. That’s how we grow.
We love you Ben and we’re so
proud of you. You’re going to do great
things! Have a wonderful first day at
school.
