Hi Mommy! It’s me, the second kid, and I am getting ready for my first-ever day of school. How did your baby grow so fast and how could I possibly be going to school? It all happened too quickly for you but it’s been a lifetime for me! After countless school drop-offs and pick-ups of my big sis (and me being forced to leave each and every time), now it is finally my turn to go to school!
I look up to my big sister and I try to do everything she does (even if it gets us both in trouble since I can’t distinguish the good from the bad yet). That being said, she loves school and if she does, so will I. This is a really big deal for you (and me!) but I am well-prepared. I had my backpack and lunch bag picked out years ago (okay, maybe a few weeks ago) and already know the walk to school. You can follow my lead.
I will hold your hand tight and give you the love and hugs you need. I will even stop and hold the silly first day of school chalkboard sign you custom-made for me exactly like what you did for my big sister. But this time I won’t be photo-bombing her back to school pic but I will be the star. I will wear my best, big smile and a flashy fashionista outfit because I already know to say “cheese” for the camera and have my own sensational sense of style. Second kids learn that stuff faster I hear. And I know these special pictures will make their way into a first year of school album in due time. It is harder to find time to make albums the second time around.
When we say good-bye I will tell you that I will be waiting for you at the end of the day. It’s only a couple of hours of school. You won’t even have time to miss me. Your jaw will drop when you hear this but you’ll smile as I walk inside. But we all know you’re crying inside because your baby is going to school.
I love to look at you with that gleam in my eye and do what you tell me not do. It always pushes your buttons. Like when you ask who loves me the most and I say Daddy instead of Mommy. And we both get a giggle. But even though I enjoy testing you sometimes, I really know the right thing to do. My listening ears are well trained and ready for school.
I know I’m not perfect but who is? Eventually everyone will learn their letters, numbers, colors and shapes and how to tie their own shoes so please stop sweating that small stuff. You have given me the best gift: your love and confidence in me. I know you love me to the universe and back and around infinity times with rainbows and unicorns! It will be great to see what I will learn each day, count how many new friends I make, discover my new skills and see just how many times I will need that extra change of clothes they ask you to pack. Let’s go to school the first time the second time around!
PS: Although I have to share your attention and love with my big sister, it’s a really good thing. Our family is full of love. You have worked tirelessly times-two to make me as perfect as I am and to prepare me for this big day. Even though my sister teaches me the most important stuff (like how to go on the potty and climb out of my crib), in my heart and mind I truly know that Mommy teaches me all the best stuff. I learned so many lessons in my mere two years on this earth and owe almost all of it to you.
Jana Beauchamp is an NYC mom-of-two and a contributor for New York Family magazine.
