Tomorrow is Kylie’s first day of 1st grade! Unlike last year, I wont be able to take the day off to head down and see her off in the morning. However Kylie and I have been talking about the upcoming start to the school year and she has been pretty excited about going back and seeing all of her friends, so imagine my surprise when Kylie called tonight to talk to me because she is nervous about starting first grade. Through talking with her and Mommy we found out that she is worried the older kids might pick on her or bump her when they go in through the “big doors” or when they are standing outside. This is a new experience for her, going in through the “big doors,” because last year the kindergarten classes had there own door into and out of the building that basically went into the school right on the kindergarten wing. This year though, because she is in first grade, she will stand out at the main doors to the school with all of the other students, except the kindergartners. She has obviously had interaction with kids in grades above her and knows some of them through peer mentoring programs and such that the school utilizes, but the thought of being with all the older kids at one time in one common spot has her feeling a bit apprehensive. Mommy and I explained to her that even though all the older kids will be there as well they will still be in their own line based on who their teacher is. Also that the teachers themselves will also be there to make sure that no pushing or shoving goes on and that everyone is being nice. After a few minutes Kylie said she felt better but was still a little nervous. We told her that it is okay to be nervous and reminded her that in addition to all the older kids that will be there, all of her friends from last year will also be there and they will have lots to talk about, telling each other all about what they did over the summer. She agreed that would be fun and then decided she should get some rest, but insisted she was still nervous. Hopefully when she wakes up tomorrow she will be to excited to remember that she is nervous.