Is your child starting school or playschool this year? If you’re feeling a little emotional about the big day, you’re not alone. Every parent remembers watching their child walk through those school gates for the first time — proud, nervous, and maybe blinking back a tear or two.
This beautiful poem by Wendy Silva captures exactly that feeling. It’s a lovely one to read on the morning of the first day, or to keep for the days that follow when the house feels just that little bit quieter.
First Day of School by Wendy Silva
I wonder what you’re doing right now
and if everyone is treating you kind.
I hope there is a special person,
a nice friend that you can find.
I wonder if the teacher knows just
how special you are to me.
And if the brightness of your heart
is something she can see.
I wonder if you are thinking about
me and if you need a hug.
I already miss the sound of your voice
and how you give my leg a tug.
I wonder if you could possibly understand
how hard it is for me to let you grow.
On this day know that my heart breaks,
for this is the first step in letting my baby go.
© Wendy Silva
Feeling emotional about the first day? That’s completely normal
Whether it’s your child’s very first day at playschool or their first day of “big school,” it’s a genuinely significant milestone — for them and for you. Many parents feel a mix of pride, excitement, and a surprising wave of sadness all at once. Give yourself permission to feel it. A few tears on the morning of the first day are entirely allowed.
If you’re looking for practical ways to help your child settle in, or simply want to feel less alone in the emotions of the day, our related articles below offer some gentle guidance from other parents and experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I feel so emotional on my child’s first day of school?
It’s completely natural. The first day of school often marks a real shift — your child is growing more independent, and that can bring up feelings of pride, worry, and even a sense of loss alongside the excitement. Most parents feel some version of this, even if they don’t show it.
Is it okay to cry on my child’s first day of school?
Yes, absolutely. Plenty of parents shed a tear at the school gate, whether it happens in the moment or later at home. It doesn’t mean you’re not coping — it simply means this milestone matters to you.
What can I do to feel better after dropping my child off?
Give yourself a little space to process the day. Talking to another parent who understands, keeping a small keepsake like this poem, or simply having a quiet cup of tea can help. The feeling usually eases as both you and your child settle into the new routine.
You may also enjoy
- Starting School: Are You and They Ready?
- 14 Easy Ways to Help Your Child Settle at School
- Top Tips for Starting School, with Parenting Expert John Sharry
- 20 Tips for Your Child Starting School
- 5 Stages of Back to School Emotions
Save this for the big day
If this poem brought a tear to your eye, why not save it or share it with another parent who might need it on the morning of the first day? Browse our other back-to-school articles for more support and ideas as your family settles into the new routine.
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Have your say! Did this first day of school poem bring back memories? Tell us in the comments below.
