What if he doesn't like it?
What if he cries the entire day?
What if I am pushing him too hard?
Every over-protective first-time parent worry and awful scenario imaginable was running through my head.
And even though this school comes HIGHLY recommended, and the teachers have all been there forever and a day, and I know they are nice people and they don't bite... but...
THEY ARE STILL STRANGERS!!!
I'm leaving my child with strangers!
So after three hours of being a paranoid parent, a little reluctantly, I drove him to school. I was a total mess, but doing my best to hold it together.
WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME??? I know this is the right thing to do but...
When we walked in to the classroom to find two strangers greeting us, I held Ollie extra tight.
I swear I tried to be brave. I did. It was just SOOOOOOO Hard!
I immediately asked where Ollie's teacher was, then practically ran to her, clutching Ollie.
I'm. Such. A. DORK!
I walked right up to his teacher with a big smile on my face, and in the kindest sweetest tone I could muster, I said, Good Morning! I'm totally freaking out...
Thankfully, she laughed then spent the next 2 minutes talking me off the ledge and reassuring me he would have a great time.
I scooped up Ollie and went back to the classroom with the strangers. I put him down, gave him a big hug and kiss, then left... With my heart in my throat.
Of course, Ollie will be fine. He will have a wonderful day, and make new friends. He will get to do new things and learn fun stuff.
Apparently, he knew that too, because he didn't hesitate when the teacher reached down and took his hand to show him the trucks. In fact, he didn't even look back.
It's so hard letting my baby grow up, but it's in these situations that I see how real and powerful my 'Mother's Instinct' is, because there is no doubt in my mind that's the little voice inside encouraging me to let him.
