ModernMom: New School Jitters

Judging by the Back to School sales, promotions, and advertisements, it’s apparently time to start thinking about the first day of school. For my family, that means kindergarten. And with the start of a new school comes high anxiety, sleepless nights, and nervous sweats…and that’s just me. My son is fine with the proposition of starting kindergarten. For him it means one thing and one thing only: he gets to ride the school bus. I on the other hand, am consumed with thoughts about whether he’ll make friends, how he’ll do without his daily nap, and yes, the SCHOOL BUS. I never rode a school bus myself so most of my ideas about what it’s like come from the movies, which paint a pretty scary picture. I’m also more than a little consumed with the new logistical nightmare we’re headed toward. Two different drop-offs in two different locations, not to mention a variety of after-school arrangements. And how in the world do they get away with defining “full day” as 9-3? I’m used to dropping off my kids at 7:30! Do any of you have advice about dealing with the kindergarten transition? Help!