It’s already starting.
I can physically feel him slowly pulling away from me, needing me less and less.
I knew it would happen. Not at five, but eventually.
Lucas, what are you looking forward to about your new school?
Making new friends.
Anything else?
Having a new teacher.
Are you feeling nervous at all?
No.
You know it’s a much bigger school then the one you are used to and while the teachers will help you, it’s okay to feel nervous.
I know.
And you can talk to Mommy and Daddy about any feelings you’re having, good or bad. It’s perfectly normal to be nervous when you go someplace you’ve never been before with people you’ve never met before.
I know. At least Katherine and Colby will be there.
True.
Do you think I’ll be able to take the bus?
Um, that might be an option. [Thinking: NOT A CHANCE IN HELL!] You don’t want Mommy to drop you off and pick you up each day?
Yeah, but I also think it would be nice to walk in all by myself.
Audible painful sigh. Can sighs be painful?
Well, why don’t we talk to Daddy and see what he thinks. It’s always good to diffuse/put off/rely on the other parent in times like these, no?
Okay.
To date, this has to be one of the most crushing things I’ve heard come out of my son’s mouth. Crushing and true.
He’s growing up, my little boy.
My five-year-old.
My kindergartner.
He wants to take the bus! Eek!!
Growing up is easy, it’s the letting go that’s hard.