A Letter to Mom From Your Child’s Teacher

The first days back to school are filled with so many emotions: excitement, worry, happiness, tears, and nerves. No, I am not just talking about the children. I am talking to you, Mom.

I see you.

I know you’re nervous and want so badly for your baby to have a good first day of school. I do too.

You want him to make friends, feel safe, be kind, and feel successful. Believe me, I do too.

As you drive away, I know you’re worried about whether he’s in good hands. Your mind is racing thinking about all of the aspects of his day. You’re worried because no one can take care of your child like you can. Do they know he gets nervous in a big crowd or that you need to remind him to wash his hands before he eats?

No, I don’t know all of those things yet, but I promise that I want to.

I want to know what his favorite food is and that he spent the summer at the beach. I want to know his favorite color and his siblings’ names. I want to know the real him.

Most of all, I want to make him feel safe. I want him to know he can come to me if he falls in the hallway or if someone was rude to him on the playground. He can come to me if he’s sad or if something made him laugh. I am here for him when you can’t be.

But most importantly, I want you to know this, Mom.

If today I notice that a little boy in my class suddenly looks lonely and his eyes are telling me that he’s a million miles away, know that I am going to take the time to sit next to him, give him a small hug, and let him know that his Mommy can’t wait to see him and that she’s proud of him.

I’ll give him that message from you that he so needed to hear. Just that little boost of confidence to get him through the rest of the day until he’s in your arms again.

Mom, I see you.

I know it was hard to drop your baby off at school today. But I promise you; he’s in good hands.

Love,

Your child’s teacher