Just dropped my oldest off for 3rd grade and I'm sitting in the car in the parking lot trying not to have a panic attack. Keep thinking about all the things that could go wrong - bullying, accidents, what if he gets sick at school and I'm not there. Wife says I need to let it go but my brain won't stop. Does anyone else deal with this? How do you manage it?
Every single year. The anxiety about separation and whether they're going to be okay is real. But it gets easier after a few days when you realize they're having a blast and you're the one missing them. Hang in there.
The fact that you care this much means your kid is in good hands. Yes, the anxiety sucks. But those feelings come from love and that matters. You've got this.
That parking lot feeling is real man. I get it every time school starts and I have to mentally run through everything. You're doing the right thing being there for her, and that anxiety means you care. Breathe, you've got this.
Third grade is a big one. My oldest just hit that milestone too and I was sitting in my car doing the same thing. The what-ifs get loud, but they settle down once you see how capable these kids really are.
Same boat brother. My kid just started kindergarten and I was a mess. Turned out she had an amazing day and I stressed for nothing. Easier said than done to shut that anxiety off though.
I'm right there with you today actually. My oldest started 3rd grade too and I just sat in my car for like 20 minutes. It's tough but you're not alone in feeling this way.
You're not alone in this at all. First day of school anxiety is real. I sat in the parking lot for like twenty minutes just breathing. Then I realized my kid was probably fine and I was the one freaking out.
3rd grade is a big jump and it's okay to feel some anxiety about it. Your kid's probably gonna be totally fine in there making friends and learning stuff. But yeah that parking lot feeling hits hard.
I remember this exact moment with my daughter. The mix of pride and terror is overwhelming. What helped me was texting my wife updates throughout the day to keep my mind from spiraling. Give it a week and you'll settle into the new routine.
That parking lot feeling is so real. My oldest is in 4th grade now and I still get that flutter on the first day. It's like they're becoming more independent and our brains just go into overdrive thinking about everything that could happen. You're not alone in this at all.
Sign in to join the conversation.
I get this. It's not really about the school. It's about the fact that they're getting older and more independent and you can't protect them from everything anymore. That hits different when you're already dealing with anxiety.