Hop Dad

Hand in Hand to First Grade

September 4, 2018 at 1:00 pm 1 comment

To My Best Boy,

I know you are not going to like what I have to say but it’s time to trade in the shorts for socks and pants. The early mornings are here again. It is time for school.

During our summer together you helped me with a myriad of home projects, showing great enthusiasm for power tools. Together we fixed the backyard fence, hung pictures, planted the vegetable garden, and painted your room. We attended several baseball games and you showed me your superb fastball.

A big change is happening for you today – you are attending a new school. From the moment I knew you would be attending this new school in the Fall, I spent a lot of time talking with you about the transition. I know it must be very difficult for you to experience only a single year of school, to make all of those friends, and suddenly have to leave and start anew. You probably have some anxiety that you have yet to tell me about. You tend to hide those feelings and put on a brave smile until there is no more risk in revealing your fears.

Yet, as we stood in line for your class this morning, I could feel all of that emotion from you. You reached for and held my hand while all around us other kids, and the kids who knew them, jumped and shouted and hugged. I squeezed your hand, as if to send my emotion back to you: This is the hard part. It will get better, my son; faster than you imagine.

I have no doubt you will excel in first grade. Your ability to make friends and be a leader in your group will make this school year memorable. As you find your way in this new place, this new life, remember you have a family that loves you dearly. You are capable of great things and I am proud of all that you are.

It’s time to step forward, my sweet boy, into this new school year.

I love you more than everything.

Entry filed under: Being Dad. Tags: Babies, Being Dad, Children, Dad, Family, Fatherhood, Kids, Life, Mom, Motherhood, Parenting, Parents.