After

Transitions. I think for most of humanity those changes, whether they are subtle or unmistakeable, are difficult. We humans like predictability, we like the comfort of knowing.

As a parent, many of the transitional memories seared into my mind were times when our son was in school. There were others, of course, but those changes that came with sending my child to school - new beginnings, new grades, new schools, new independence - challenged me emotionally. They meant letting go. It meant trusting that whatever influences we had over our child’s development were enough to overcome life’s trials.

Enough what? Self-confidence. Self-assurance. Perseverance. Emotional control. Empathy. Humor. That list could be endless. As parents, and as teachers, we all want the best for our children and students. And we all worry that we haven’t done enough to ensure that the best is attainable; at least I did (and do). My memory of my son’s first drop off at his pre-K is of driving away in tears. That played out again and again throughout each year of letting go, even when we dropped him off at university.

I feel like this is the universality of parenthood. Nearly every parent I encountered in 30 years of teaching wanted their student to be and do better in school and to have a learning experience that was positive and inspiring. Those wishes crossed socio-economic boundaries, language and cultural divides, and were not exclusive to those who have the time and financial means. It is the undisputed emotion of parenthood: have I prepared my child enough.

Of course, the most prevalent transition in the Fall is about schooling. Whether a child is beginning in a new school setting, a new building, or a new experience as a college student, the Fall, and especially September is filled with the discomfort of transitions.

That uncomfortable dissonance can also apply to educators. I speak from experience and with some authority on that topic.

Parents (and grandparents) cannot help but remember some of the tougher challenges that can happen in school: falling out with a friend, teasing, feeling left out, difficulty learning. While we wish we could protect our child, the best we can hope for is that we’ve prepared them to respond positively. It’s that letting go and trusting transition that is the toughest, isn’t it?

Today, though, I’m thinking of the transitions our granddaughter - and her parents - are making. It is the first day of K1 (preschool) in Boston and our precious little one will be setting off on her own education journey. The educator in me recognizes that there will be challenges ahead, but her parents have prepared her well - she’s funny, she’s independent, and curious. My deepest wish for her is that those qualities always stay with her. And that she does not find too many twists and bends in the road to learning.

Transitions are hard and messy and unavoidable. It is the human condition of growing; especially in September.