This struck a chord with me. My oldest is heading to college next week. I'm feeling your insight here deeply, and bittersweet is an understatement. Thank you!
There is no greater or more worthy pursuit in life than fully embracing the opportunity and responsibility of being the best parent you can be, and watching your kids grow into good people, then watching them start their families and be even better than you were. You will have MANY more smiles.
Have you ever thought about writing a children's book. I think you would be fantastic. Like a cross between Mo Willems and Andrew Neumann ( The Hug That Got Stuck is amazing ) I think you'd be awesome at it. Staying present is so critical. 🙏🌝
I think you should go for it, people who have kids different ages would dig it. I'd read your work to my son or have him read to me, which is what I've been trying to work on with him.
This essay was a joy to read. Thank you for it truly, father to father. With my boy currently at two and a half years old, I both anticipate this day and dread it with all the weight in my heart. Our children can offer so much hope, insight, and purpose.
Your post took me to a very warm and happy place. Those tears--these tears--are gratitude for getting to be my sons' dad. Made me think of my youngest and his first day of school. He's now 16, a working line cook, and about to start his culinary programme at tech. My eldest is a diesel mechanic and is in the process of starting a metal fab and custom mechanic shop with a kid he grew up with--a kid he met in kindergarten!
It. Goes. So. Fast. Just stay grateful my friend. We *get* to be their dad. How fuckin great is that.
The question you asked is why my younger 2 are homeschooled. This moment on the first day of kindergarten is exactly as Andrew describes, and that deserves its place, absolutely 100%. I remember it well, I've done it twice. I'm only chiming in here because you posed the question. Granted, you weren't asking me, but I couldn't keep quiet because this gorgeous piece of writing also made me think about what a different world we're living in today, and that filled me with deep sadness.
I have to say, there's something incredibly beautiful and empowering about learning something new every day *with* your child, about reaching those reading, writing, adding, subtracting, etc. milestones *with* your child, knowing that you did that together, rather than hearing about it second-hand after school. We all want to be there for baby's first word, first steps, all the firsts, but how many firsts are we missing when our kids are at school? With homeschooling, you don't have the sadness attached to these milestones because you're part of them. I can't explain it fully because it's not a complete thought in my head, yet. But considering what's going on in schools, I would never, ever entrust my child to the school system ever again. I know not everyone has the choice, but if you do, and the only thing holding you back is selfishness or laziness, then the shame lies with you.
I hear from friends what's going on with their kids in school and it's incredibly toxic and destructive to children... and I'm not even talking about the indoctrination stuff, which is enough to make my blood boil. I'm talking about the day-to-day fuckery that goes on. From creepy administrators, to online bullying, to minimalizing horrible behavior from girls, while excessively punishing boys. School is no place for children.
This is who populates schools now, and really, this is all I need to know:
You caught the “first day of kindergarten” thoughts and emotions perfectly. Years ago, I cried like a baby after putting my eldest on the kindergarten bus. Parenting…whew…what a blessing.
This struck a chord with me. My oldest is heading to college next week. I'm feeling your insight here deeply, and bittersweet is an understatement. Thank you!
There is no greater or more worthy pursuit in life than fully embracing the opportunity and responsibility of being the best parent you can be, and watching your kids grow into good people, then watching them start their families and be even better than you were. You will have MANY more smiles.
Have you ever thought about writing a children's book. I think you would be fantastic. Like a cross between Mo Willems and Andrew Neumann ( The Hug That Got Stuck is amazing ) I think you'd be awesome at it. Staying present is so critical. 🙏🌝
I have, actually.
I keep rewriting it to keep up with his age.
I just can’t seem to get the illustration down.
I think you should go for it, people who have kids different ages would dig it. I'd read your work to my son or have him read to me, which is what I've been trying to work on with him.
Oh dear. This made me cry. In a good way.
This essay was a joy to read. Thank you for it truly, father to father. With my boy currently at two and a half years old, I both anticipate this day and dread it with all the weight in my heart. Our children can offer so much hope, insight, and purpose.
Beautiful photo. I’m seeing my grandchildren pass into the hallowed halls of advanced education. I’m crossing my fingers.
Damnit. Somethin' in mah eye...
That seems to be going around.
Your post took me to a very warm and happy place. Those tears--these tears--are gratitude for getting to be my sons' dad. Made me think of my youngest and his first day of school. He's now 16, a working line cook, and about to start his culinary programme at tech. My eldest is a diesel mechanic and is in the process of starting a metal fab and custom mechanic shop with a kid he grew up with--a kid he met in kindergarten!
It. Goes. So. Fast. Just stay grateful my friend. We *get* to be their dad. How fuckin great is that.
Really enjoyed this. Do you have any concerns about the modern schooling? I flip-flop all the time. Less kindergarten age, more age 6+.
The question you asked is why my younger 2 are homeschooled. This moment on the first day of kindergarten is exactly as Andrew describes, and that deserves its place, absolutely 100%. I remember it well, I've done it twice. I'm only chiming in here because you posed the question. Granted, you weren't asking me, but I couldn't keep quiet because this gorgeous piece of writing also made me think about what a different world we're living in today, and that filled me with deep sadness.
I have to say, there's something incredibly beautiful and empowering about learning something new every day *with* your child, about reaching those reading, writing, adding, subtracting, etc. milestones *with* your child, knowing that you did that together, rather than hearing about it second-hand after school. We all want to be there for baby's first word, first steps, all the firsts, but how many firsts are we missing when our kids are at school? With homeschooling, you don't have the sadness attached to these milestones because you're part of them. I can't explain it fully because it's not a complete thought in my head, yet. But considering what's going on in schools, I would never, ever entrust my child to the school system ever again. I know not everyone has the choice, but if you do, and the only thing holding you back is selfishness or laziness, then the shame lies with you.
I hear from friends what's going on with their kids in school and it's incredibly toxic and destructive to children... and I'm not even talking about the indoctrination stuff, which is enough to make my blood boil. I'm talking about the day-to-day fuckery that goes on. From creepy administrators, to online bullying, to minimalizing horrible behavior from girls, while excessively punishing boys. School is no place for children.
This is who populates schools now, and really, this is all I need to know:
https://www.fox19.com/2024/07/30/federal-court-docs-cincinnati-fbi-arrests-tri-state-man-child-pornography-columbus/
My apologies Andrew. You really wrote a gorgeous piece!
This is one of those difficult to hear truths! My children are adults now but I still feel the pangs. Now I have a grandson to cherish as well.
This is everything that I think but can never find the words to describe
This is so honest and lovely.
You caught the “first day of kindergarten” thoughts and emotions perfectly. Years ago, I cried like a baby after putting my eldest on the kindergarten bus. Parenting…whew…what a blessing.
What?? I'm not crying, you're crying!
Beautiful! Thank you
Beautiful words. Our 1st born turned 21 this week and I relate to your sentiments.
Amen.
Thanks, man.
I have no doubt that your boy will do just fine. With you as an ever present rock he can rely on.
Beautiful!