Two of my favorite pictures were taken the morning of my kid’s first day of kindergarten. There is something so wonderful about the first day of school that just needs to be captured on film.

I have been blessed with two sets of twins that are only two years apart in school so we get a double dose of emotions as the kids board that bus for their first day of school.

Will, my oldest boy, is rarely nervous and tackles everything with a smile and determination. He hardly said good-bye on his first day of school as he climbed the steps of the big, yellow bus he was thrilled to finally be riding. Abby, his twin, is quite a bit more shy and took a little coaxing and a few tears by both of us before she, too, climbed onto the bus that ushered in her first day of school.

My all-time favorite first day of kindergarten picture is of those two sitting in the front seat as the bus drove away with their noses smooshed against the window. By then, both kids were all smiles, and as my husband and I sat in the driveway watching our big kids pull away we were overcome with emotion. They seemed so old, and yet too young. I was so excited for them, and yet sad that our little “play dates” together had come to an end. I knew our relationship would change, but believed with my whole heart they were exactly where they were supposed to be.

Sending my second set of twins off to their first day of kindergarten brought completely different emotions. Ryan and Hailey had watched Will and Abby go to school for two years and knew exactly what they were supposed to do. There were no tears, no fears and no hesitation. They just boarded the bus, waved good-bye and went to school. My husband wasn’t there this time, I didn’t have any kids to walk back in the house with, it was just me; standing in my neighbors driveway filled with overwhelming emotions of excitement for my children, sadness for me and amazement that I was old enough to have four kids in grade school. I walked in my house and dished myself up a bowl of congratulatory ice cream!

We have experienced a lot of kindergarten success. Thanks to an amazing teacher (for all four of my kids!) and preparation ahead of time, my kids were excited and ready for their first day of kindergarten.  Here are some of the ways we prepared for our first day of school and ensured kindergarten success.
1.    Plan a special first day of school breakfast.
2.    Pick out a new first day of school outfit.
3.    Talk through their list of first day of school questions as many times as they need to.
4.    Pack a note in their lunch bag.
5.    Plan a special after school treat.
6.    Pray!

Many children, especially those with older children, have longed for the right of passage that comes with kindergarten success. Whether your child is fearful or excited, establishing some rituals that bring both excitement and a sense of calmness to the first day of school will encourage your child to love school and enjoy the fun and success it brings.

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