We’ve entered into a new season in raising our boys. Our oldest has survived long enough to head to kindergarten. Now, that’s an accomplishment!
I have to say, I’ve always thought I’d be the mom that excitedly put her kids on the bus and sent them off to school. I thought I’d be rejoicing at the thought of a day spent with a little more quiet. However, wouldn’t you know? I’ve kind of grown to love the time I spend with my tiny boys. Noah, my oldest, has been my buddy for the past 6 years. He was my adventure companion in the days I explore Charlotte, NC not knowing another soul. He was the one who was gracious with me as I figured out the motherhood gig.
And now, he has another woman guiding and directing his days.
We’ve chosen to send him to the local public school, which has a great reputation and is just a mile from our home. He rides the bus, which might be the highlight of his day. We’re entering into a season of life completely unlike the baby and preschool years.
This season is filled with bus-rides, and “homework”, and entirely too many pieces of paper coming home every day. It’s filled with classmates’ birthday parties and more time spent away from the family than with the family.
And to be honest, I wasn’t prepared for how sending my oldest to school would turn me upside down. We’re navigating questions that speak loudly to our value of family and community over being busy and over scheduled. We’re trying to figure out our place in Noah’s school-life, balancing keeping him close and letting him go a little.
I was not expecting it to be difficult for me to have my days dictated by the public school schedule. I didn’t know how much I would mourn having our slow and cozy mornings. I naively didn’t anticipate that the rush to the bus would feel so…busy.
This is a new season, and like every new season it takes adjusting and easing into. Right now, my days feel unfamiliar and not as I’d choose. But, that’s the funny thing, I feel 100% confident in our choice of school. I feel 100% confident in Noah. I just need to grow into being a mom of a school-age kid, while still balancing being a mom to other younger guys, too.
It’s funny how seasons change more than they stay the same. Just as you’re really enjoying on season, the leaves change and you’re off to another kind of day all together.
The good thing is, some things are slower to change. Noah is still Noah, analytical and kind. He still wants to cuddle and have “mama time” and misses his brothers during the day. He still desires to do right, by the rules and by others.
His brothers are still his best friends, he’s just adding a few new friends to the roster, too.
Have you had a major change of life-seasons recently? How do you ease into transition/find a new “sweet spot”?