No, it doesn't. My oldest just started Middle School yesterday, and my youngest is now in Gr. 5. It's bitter sweet no matter the age. Reminds me of when my Mom was bawling the day my parents dropped me off at college. At the time I rolled my eyes at her, but I totally get it now. LOL!

Understood. My youngest is the same age and same situation. Except he's not independent! We have eased some of the anxiety by letting him know his friends are in the same boat. Two of them in the same classroom. So, his eyes lit up!

Now waiting to see if this works. I'll let you know on Tuesday!

As for final--it's does pass, but on a day by day basis.

Let me explain--

When my second youngest started kindergarten, she was crying the whole way there. Never had that with the two oldest. She was the first one.

So we brought her up to her class room, she would not let my hand go. My heart was in my throat! I wanted to take her and run out of the school! But knew we had to do this. So, as we left, I could hear her crying, sobbing, calling 'daddy'. Man, did that hurt!

So, as the few hours passed I felt rotten. Repeating to myself 'I'm a terrible dad' 'she wasn't ready'.

Now, time to go pick her up from school.

Trying no to speed--arrived there, looking frantically for my daughter. Finally see her--she was grinning from ear to ear! ! ! My jaw hit the floor! She's running to the car, introducing me to her new friends and told me how much she loved it!

I wanted to hand her the car keys and run me over.

My baby is off to Kindergarten on Tuesday and I feel much the same way. We had Meet The Teacher night at the school last night, and while it was so much fun to watch the boys collect their papers, find their desk/table, meet their teacher, and how COOL it was to see the look of awe and wonder in Carter's 5 year old eyes . . . There was a large part of me that just wanted to sit in a corner and cry.

I had a hard time when Bennett went of to Kindergarten, too . . . but this is different. I think it's ALWAYS different when it's the baby. You described it perfectly when you said it just feels so 'final'.

I both love and hate that they are growing in independance. I think I hate it MORE than I love it.

Sounds like there are a few of us that could do some crying on shoulders over the next week or so . . . and a few more that could pat us gently on the back and say, 'there, there . . . it'll get better.'

HUGS to all sending little ones off to school . . . whatever the grade. It's a fun and exciting time . . . FOR THEM!!! ;0)

All these comments brought mixed emotions here. But Max, yours I related to more than anything. I remember my daughter bawling her eyes out on the first day (which has already started for me). I had to remove her from the class. Talked and reassured her in the hallway, to no avail. So, they suggested that I leave; everything will be ok. My guts started twisting. I knew I was a terrible father for leaving her like that. I reeled for hours.

And just like you, I went back to the school, only to find, her intros to all her new friends, and her not wanting to go. LOL!!

How'd it go, everyone?

My big guy was very supportive (to both his little brother AND his mom!).

Carter wavered between VERY excited and VERY apprehensive. We both shed a few tears, then we sat in the reading circle and read Curious George until class began. By the time I left he was very busy making friends with Ethan.

Both boys LOVE their teachers and had a great day. I feel very relieved, but still a bit sad. I don't have a baby anymore.

I'm going to share a few pics of the big day . . .

OG what beautiful pics! Thank you for sharing that big day with us! They are quite the handsome young gents!

My kids had a great day! There were all talking at once! Hard to calm them, well the youngest ones, soak it all in. Talked all day! Cant wait to go back tomorrow!

They look just like you O! Man, I love these times right now! I can see myself reflecting on this moment with them as they get older. Knowing me, I'll tease them relentlessly! :-)

All went well with my tot. He had a great day. Knows his three best friends already. Ms. Silverman is his teacher and he thinks she's the greatest! LOL!!!

But for some odd reason, why does this week feel so long? I guess I have to get used to the routine. It's only Thursday and I'm feeling it already. Two days into it!

I suck.