My son is starting school soon and as any parent knows this can be a very emotional time for both kids and adults. Your little baby is now in the hands of someone else and you can’t protect him. It’s time for him to make friends on his own, to answer and ask questions, to discover his passions, to test out different activities and sports, to thrive at some things and to fail at others and to grow into the person he will become. Sniff sniff. I know. So here are five things I would like to tell my son before he turns five and makes this milestone transition into the world of school. Feel free to share and add your own to the list.
1. Don’t be afraid to love what you love
You love certain things with so much intensity and this passion is something I just love about you. If others tell you that your beliefs are wrong or that what you love is stupid don’t listen. Love what you love and don’t let anyone extinguish this spark inside. Not even me.
2. Speak your mind
Everyone is entitled to an opinion and you are no different. I know it’s scary and you are a bit shy but you have the right to explain what you want and go for it. I won’t always be there to give you that push forward but I know you can do it yourself. You just need to be brave.
3. People can be cruel
Especially kids. Friends will come and go and while it is good to have friends, it is not the most important thing in the world. If someone is mean to you, move on. There are plenty of other people out there to spend time with. And trust me in ten years you won’t even care.
4. Just be you
Don’t be dad. Don’t be your best friend. Don’t be your cousin. Don’t do something because others want you to or because everyone else is doing it. Be yourself. Be who you want to be. Be Jacob. Because he is pretty awesome.
5. Remind me every night to read to you
Because some long days I might forget or I may even tell you that I am too tired. But reading is so important not only in school but at home as well. And not just for you but for me too. Reading is a way to identify with the world and escape it all at once. And this is something that you will never grow out of.
And one more for good luck:
There will be good and bad days
And this is okay. Some days you will come home feeling happy, excited, proud and eager for tomorrow. Then other days you may come home feeling upset, frightened, embarrassed and afraid of what’s to come. All if these feelings are normal. You won’t always have a perfect day but you can come home, talk about your feelings, clear your head and start fresh tomorrow. And most importantly I will always be there when you need a cuddle.
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