A Letter to My Kindergartener

Kindergarten is only the first journey of many in a child’s life. In this letter to my Kindergartener, I share my hopes and dreams for her future.

Dear Annabelle,

We are so proud of you for completing your first day of Kindergarten! New adventures can be scary, but you walked into school with your head held high. Bravery and confidence suits you well and we hope you carry these traits with you throughout life.

I remember the day I brought you home from the hospital like it was yesterday. We put your car seat on the floor so Muffin could get to know you. I hovered, protective of you, to make sure he didn’t get too close. Once he sniffed every inch of you, he stayed close by, to let us know he would now protect you too.

We want to protect you from anything that may hurt or scare you, but also know you must be able to stand alone on your own two feet.

Annabelle, your hesitation to trust new situations is one of your best traits. It’s so important to always scope out your surroundings before letting your guard down (which you do!). The first time I left you when I went back to teaching, you were only 8 months old. I sobbed outside of baby school, worried you were frightened and lonely. Ms. Jordan said it took awhile for you to come out of your shell, but once you knew it was safe, you showed your true colors. Everyone learns you’re bright, funny, curious and creative once they earn your trust.

Kindergarten will be the first of many journeys you take without your family in life. It’s bittersweet sending you off into the world without me by your side, but it’s a good thing too. You’re going to grow SO much and learn even more.

Tips for Parents on the First Day of Kindergarten

As you embark on this new adventure, here are some of my hopes and dreams for you…

May you always shine brightly and inspire others with your creative spirit to shine too. Hold tight to your imagination and allow it to help you maintain your individuality.

We hope you find friends who believe in magic, love to laugh, but value discipline just as you do. Never give up your appreciation for structure and always follow the rules.

We hope you learn hard work is the secret to success. Even when you feel like slacking, remember effort and persistence is how you’ll achieve the most in life.

I hope you learn it’s okay to make mistakes – embrace every failure, own it, and take full responsibility for your actions. Do NOT let your mistakes define you, instead use them to become stronger.

Remember, perfection is an illusion. Strive for continuous improvement and do ordinary things extraordinarily well.

Annabelle, we will always be here to watch you BLOOM, to catch you when you fall, and to applaud your achievements. We love you to the moon and back.

I hope this letter to my Kindergartener inspires someone somewhere to tell their child all of their hopes and dreams for them.

Want more tips for the first day of Kindergarten? Here are tips for kids going to Kindergarten!