Initially when I was thinking about a post for “Back-to-School,” I was considering a post titled, “Beauteeful Finds – Back to School Edition.” I ultimately changed my mind because rather than the “shopping” aspect of Back to School, I think the “Must Do” thing for your child isn’t necessarily about getting all those stylish school apparel or cool supplies. What I really think everyone should do for a child entering the new school year (regardless of Kindergarten or College) is to “Write a Letter.” This is exactly what I did last year when my oldest entered elementary school for the first time. Here’s my letter to her (September 2013):
Dear Ellie:
Today was a big day. Mommy couldn’t go to bed tonight without writing you, knowing that in time, you will be able to read this letter. I want you to know how proud both your daddy and I were of you on your first day of Kindergarten. We’ve been talking about your 1st day for at least a year now. Not to mention we’ve been stopping at your school’s playground since you were a baby. Once you were old enough to understand our words, like a broken record, we’d say, “one day, you will be going to school here.” Well that day came a lot sooner than we thought. You were so ready though. You could not wait to wear your big girl backpack and new shoes (Twinkle Toes — your choice, not my liking but I couldn’t veto after seeing how much you really wanted them). You must have worn both items for a good half hour before leaving the house.
After taking a few photos, you walked to school with mommy, daddy, and Lauren. When we arrived at your school, you seem unfazed by the growing crowd of kids and parents gathering around. Daddy and I were so proud of how eager you were to attend your first day of Kindergarten. The night before, you told me you were “so excited to meet new friends” at school. We couldn’t ask for a better attitude! The only person we were afraid would be apprehensive about today is your best friend…Lauren. Your little sis absolutely adores you. Sure, you guys bicker but she copies everything that you do. If she doesn’t see you for one second, she’d ask, “where’s Ellie?” I had a “talk” with her this morning before we dropped you off. I relayed to her that you were only going to be there for a short while. That she can’t go inside the school with you and that she shouldn’t cry when we say goodbye. Well, Lauren completely cooperated because she did just what we asked of her. No cries. Simply a big kiss on your lips to bid goodbye. You were so composed when we parted. No fear or sadness. Can’t say we were surprised. You’re our little adventurer. Everything new is exciting to you. We love that about you!
Daddy had to jump on a conference call for work soon after we dropped you off. Lauren started playing with toys in the playroom. I was, well, a little lost. I felt sad, to be honest. It’s not that it’s the first time you’ve been away for school. It’s just this elementary school thing.The real deal of education officially starts, as of today. Seems so serious. Don’t worry about mommy though. I will get over it. What I won’t get over, however, is how proud I am of you and your spirit for learning and exploration. May you always love learning!
Love always,
Mommy
Here’s 2 other photos from Ellie’s big 1st day of Kindergarten (notice she’s all smiles):
Reading my letter from a year ago really brought back memories of Ellie’s first day of school. While it was a big day for her, it was equally as big of a day for me. I’m so glad I wrote my letter because photos cannot capture everything… some things are better captured through words. 🙂
What do you think about writing letters? Like this post or have a comment? Best way to never miss a post is to subscribe through e-mail (scroll down). Thanks for reading!
what a fab idea! I am so going to start doing this! Thanks for sharing….it was very sweet 🙂
Thanks, Vanessa. So glad you’re going to start writing similar letters. When you read it a year later, you would be surprised at how many details you would have forgotten had you not written things down.
That’s sweet. I wish I would have thought of this. My daughter went to Kindergarten last week. Maybe it will be something I can start next year.
Hi Jeanette, I think you can write this letter even before next year. A week into Kindergarten is still fine to write this letter. You get to write about her 1st week. 🙂
cute pictures. I can’t believe that my oldest is now in 6th grade.
My youngest started kindergarten this year. I felt a little lost that first day too. PTA sent us two Hershey’s Kisses and a tissue to dry the tears :).
That’s such a cute idea from the PTA 🙂
What a cute idea. One day your daughter will read the letter and she will get such a wonderful message and synopsis of the special day.
Thanks, Ann! Can’t wait till she’s able to read this letter in its entirety 🙂
What a sweet letter. She will love reading that one day.
Thanks, Amber!
I love the idea of a personalized bookbag. No way that one’s getting mixed up and if it ends up in the lost and found, you know whose it is! Love it! Wishing you a happy school year.
Very cute pictures for the first day of school! Writing a letter is such a nice way to keep the memory alive, and have something special for your daughter to look back on.
Thanks, Yona. I can’t wait for hear to read this letter as she gets older.
so sweet and endearing! your daughter will treasure this in the years to come. your whole family is blessed to have your love and devotion!
Thanks so much for your kind words, Kero.
What a great idea! Wish I would have thought so this with my first two! I’ll do it for my little one though! She’s adorable!
Thank you!
What a beautiful letter ! I think you made the right choice for your post 🙂
Thanks, Debbie! I think so too 🙂
Your letter is a great idea and really touching – it reminds me of how I wrote about my labor story for my first child (need to get on that for the second one). I am going to be a hot mess when the start school!
Aww, you will do fine!
I’m going to start writing letters to my youngest for major events (birthdays, first days of school, etc.) and hopefully get them into a scrapbook as well for her. I think it’s an awesome idea and I hope that she has a great year.
Thank you! You won’t regret writing those letters. Your daughter will have treasured memories forever 🙂
Awww, that is so sweet! Here’s to a great year!
Thanks! Same for your kids too!
Aww this is so sweet. Your daughter is beautiful and she will most definitely appreciate this when she gets older.
Thanks so much, Bri!