My Darling Annabelle,
It’s hard to believe that you are starting Kindergarten today. You have grown so much over the years and I know that you are going to do amazing. While it will be strange not having you at home, I’m excited to see how much more you will grow.
I won’t lie, it was a little hard falling asleep last night, knowing that today you would be walking through the doors of your new school. Starting a new phase in your life. I had so many questions running through my head.
What will your day be like?
Who are you going to be friends with?
Will you get in trouble for talking to much? (something that happened to mommy every.single.year. Sorry to all my former teachers.)
Will you remember to be kind to others?
What will you do if someone is mean to you?
No matter what happens, there are things I have tried to impart on you that I hope you remember as you go through your years of school, and enter into adulthood.
First, be kind.
While I don’t think you’ll have a problem with this, you’ve never been in a classroom with so many children before. Some of those kids may not always be kind to you. Perhaps they are having a hard time and just don’t know what else to do. Maybe someone was mean to them, so they in turn take it out on another person. Try to show them kindness. You will be amazed how far a little kindness can go. Now I am not saying you need to be friends with everyone. There will be some people you just don’t click with, and that’s fine. Still be sure to show them kindness.
Second, stand up for yourself and others
But what happens if someone continues to mean to you? After you’ve tried to be kind? After you’ve told them to stop, and they still won’t. Then you need to stand up for yourself. Tell an adult at school, like your teacher, what is happening. Don’t let someone keep doing something that makes you feel less. You deserve more than that. You are an amazing person.
If you see someone else being picked on, try to be that persons friend. Invite them to play with you at recess. Have them eat lunch with you. There is strength in numbers.
Third, try your hardest and remember it’s ok to fail
Try your hardest.  Sometimes tasks will be difficult. You may feel like giving up. Don’t! Be confident in your abilities and keep trying. And if you fail, it’s alright, as long as you tried your best. While failure can be hard, it helps us learn. It helps us grow.
Fourth, be confident
Confidence can go a long way. If you think you know the answer to a question, raise your hand. When you finish an art project show pride in your work, be confident that you created something amazing. Even if others may question you, stand tall.
Lastly, never be afraid to talk to me
I hope you know that you can always talk to me about what is happening in your life. If something happened at school that upset you, share it with me. If you are excited about something, tell me. I am your mother, and will always have your back.
I love you so much my bugaboo. I hope your first day of kindergarten is everything you hoped! You are going to rock this year!
Love,
Mommy