A Guilford Parent's Guide To The First Day Of School

As I watch my daughter get ready to go back to college, I think my heart might burst. I'm sad to see her leave again after a great summer, but am so proud of her hard work over the summer and excited about the upcoming school year. 

I remind myself not to let her know how sad I am that she's leaving. And that reminds me of a day in September 1998 when she trudged down our little unpaved road to the main road where the school bus would pick her up, for the very first time. With her pretty dress, her ankle socks and white shoes, and her Madeline backpack slung over her shoulder like a school-going pro, she was ready. And I was not. 

What to do if that happens to you? 

Here are some tips from Guilford Patch readers on dealing with the first day of kindergarten. They apply equally well to parents of children going off to a new school. And even, for some parents (like me, who never quite get over it) of kids who are returning to school.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions! Feel free to add yours in the comment section below. And be sure to check our Guilford Patch Back To School section for all the latest information to get you and yours ready for the first day of school in Guilford on Thursday, August 29th. 

And, now, for the advice from our Guilford Patch readers: 

• Peggy Harrington Lindgren, "I am a school bus driver here in town, and I have never had a sad or crying kindergartener get on the bus that wasn't smiling before we hit the end of their street. Whether it is seeing a new or familiar face on the bus, or showing me their new backpack, the excitement and curiosity set in and they are happy and smiling! I always wish I could let my moms and dads know that!"
  
• Marisa Fappiano Espinosa, "It will be harder for you then it will be for them."
• Joanna Ober, "Trusting is hard, but you're not alone. Everyone feels that sharp pain of letting go the first day. It's normal."
  
• Samantha DAgostino Meder, "He/She will be fine and so will you."
  
• Sarah Woodring Cooper, "Be positive & don't forget to pack a small snack & drink."
  
• Sharron Andrews, "Bake cookies! When my children headed to school, I always baked cookies. It became a great tradition for our family. This continued all the way to university."
  
• Ann Curtis-Huzar, "Don't let the door hit them in the butt! J/K! It's not as bad as you think, each day get's easier.."
  
• TheMayor'sWife, Robin, "Bring Kleenex . You will cry. Your child will be fine. For the few who do cling to your leg, pry them off and promise to be back. Do it quickly like taking off a bandaid. If you don't you will be prolonging the agony. Then go home. Cry. Eat. And realize that this is the first of many steps you will go through with your child. Later on you will be kicking them out the door! LOL!"
  
• Lois Forti, "Small,first steps to independence..for Mom and child.Wipe your tears and go get a mani/pedi!"
  
• Amy Mason-Mann, "You're embarking on a new wonderous adventure where you and your child will make life-long friends. There will be ups and downs and sometimes you will wish you had your little baby back, but forge ahead and revel in the many joys of this time. And don't be afraid to lean on veteran parents for advice."
  
• Susan Dudley Cassidy, "Trust the teacher!"
  
• Kathleen Spurell Carroll, "Your child is capable and ready. Let him/her go and show the world (ok, the kindergarten teacher and class) who they are!"
• And Benjami M notes, "Coming from a kindergarten teacher, I love it ... Especially from Kathleen Spurell Carroll!"