Back to School Tears; Why are We So Sentimental?

This morning, I enjoyed all of the Facebook photos of the first day of school, posted by proud parents and endured by reluctant kids everywhere.  There’s something about watching your child walk into school for the first day that always tugs at your heartstrings.  Of course, the very first day brings a flood of emotions, as it signals the passage of your offspring from baby/toddler to student.  Rarely is anyone really ready for that.

Watching my freshman girl starting her first day of high school was no exception.  The experience of leaving her older sister at college a few days ago still fresh in my mind, I couldn’t help but tear up at the thought that I only have four more years left with children at home full time.  To someone whose life is motherhood, that’s tough!

I am unsure why we feel so strongly about our children growing up, because that is exactly what they are supposed to do.  Perhaps it is because we are afraid that their lessened need for us as they grow will mean less involvement and less contact as time passes.  Again, this is exactly what is supposed to happen, but it’s just so difficult.

The passage of time reels further and further out of control with every year, it seems, so parent, keep snapping those photos, whether they like it or not!