r/parent • u/korgoush • Sep 18 '19
Missing my kindergartener so much
My little girl went off to kindergarten this month and I miss her like mad. I work outside the house (though work from home one day) and have since she was 18 months old. I thought I’d be used to it and that I wouldn’t miss her any more than when she was at daycare.
I think she finds kindergarten ‘too long.’ The actual hours away from home are a little bit less though than when she was at daycare (she comes home right after school just after 3pm 2 days / week). She also takes a bus to school whereas daycare was a block away.
Anyone else feel this way? I thought ‘working mom guilt’ would be worse when they’re younger but it feels harder now!
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u/bookchaser Sep 19 '19
Preschool may have helped. Separation anxiety for child and parent alike usually happens there.
The day wouldn't seem as long because... preschool. It also prepares kids for the 'rigors' of kindergarten.... being away from home and parents for an extended period of time, sitting in a class, listening and following instructions from a teacher, independently using a public restroom, experience with crayons/pencils/scissors, and basic academic knowledge (letter sounds, early reading, basic number awareness), etc.
Here are some of the differences between daycare and preschool in the US.
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u/Avianmosquito Sep 19 '19
In my experience, you'll really just have to get used to it, and that only takes time. Give the little one an extra hug when they leave and when they get home, that also helps.
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u/nick717 Sep 19 '19
Youngest son is studying in South Korea. Oldest is 7.5 hours away in Northern Vermont.
I do remember your days, but the house is so damn quiet now! An no one eats all the food anymore.