Remember When: First Day Back to School Jitters

Well it seems as if today was the day that all the kids were in their back to school best. As I scrolled through Facebook this morning, I saw picture after picture of little people in their school uniforms or their brand new school clothes, book bag on their back, and a lunch box in their hand. I remember those days so well. I also remember starting at a new school and being absolutely terrified. Many people probably don't know this about me or the instances I am about to share.

 My Dad always dropped me off in the mornings. He would walk me to my class, bend down, give me hug & a kiss and off I went. {Sidenote: My mom was a middle school teacher so she was always up and out the door to get to her students for the year. She was also usually in her classroom before the sun came up.}

I remember one day so vividly; I was a first grader. He couldn't walk me to my classroom because he had a meeting that morning & I had to get out in the car line drop off by myself. I had to walk all the way to my classroom. Y'all, I remember having the biggest lump in my throat and tears streaming down my face because my Daddy couldn't walk me to my classroom. If that doesn't scream Daddy's girl, I don't know what does. I remember my teacher, Mrs. Cameron, hugging me and telling me it would be okay. And you know what, it was. Each day got better, and I got braver on those days he couldn't walk me to class.

Then there was high school; we had moved to Mt. Pleasant, and I was starting at Wando High School. I was a sophomore. I was coming from a tiny Southern Baptist private school to a HUGE public high school. And of course, my Dad was the one to drop me off. I knew NO ONE. Everyone already knew each other from middle school and freshman year...not me. I was alone and scared to death. For the first week, I was physically ill because of my nerves EVERY. DAY. before school. My Dad was always there to tell me it was going to be a great day & that I would meet people. And of course I did. My Dad never let on if he was nervous for me, but I am sure he probably was. But he was strong for me because he knew I needed it.

So for all the Momma's & Daddy's out there that are dropping your little ones [or your middle or high schoolers] off to school, be strong. Hide your tears until they can't see you cry. Tell them to have a great day & that you can't wait to see them after school. This was always so reassuring to me. First day jitters are real, folks, whether they show it like me or hide it inside. And it gets the very best of us. Take it from me.

So cheers to the first days back to school! May there be little to no tears & exciting stories to listen to when your children get home. Happy Monday!!

xoxo,
Haley