Is being nervous hereditary?

This upcoming Wednesday marks the first day of three year old preschool. And although I have had my fair share of gripes about these last three weeks of no programming, it has been a lot of fun. Maybe it was because I set out for Mission Fun, or maybe it’s because my kids really are a blast.

This is clearly the epitome of fun.

Today we had Meet the Teacher at school. I have spent a lot of time in the last three weeks building up school. We have gotten new shoes, a new backpack and some great clothes to kick start the new school year. Despite everything there is still an overall tension in this household.

Last year we switched schools right before Gabby emerged into the world. It caused us a great deal of heartache just thinking about switching (read about it here) and then there were a whole new set of challenges once we got here (read about those here).

As this school year starts, Drew had to leave the comfort of the full day (daycare) program and switch over to the preschool (half day) program. With that comes a whole new set of kids and brand new teachers that he has never interacted with before. I realize that he’s only three and there is so much change that comes with life, it’s still hard to tackle these new changes.

So last night we really started talking about what this new school year will bring. How exciting it is to be making new friends. At one point his old teachers were new to him and he loved them so much, so he will definitely love these new teachers. Drew wasn’t buying into it, and he actually speaks English now so he was able to articulate it! He told me that he wasn’t excited, he was NERVOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Example one of many to come that I am ruining my child! Where does a three year old pick up the feelings of being nervous but from his very nervous mommy! I better secure therapy now!

And as we were driving to school this morning, he told me his tummy hurt! Needless to say, my tummy started hurting. The thought that my little precious three year old was having anxiety about going to school just killed me. I couldn’t have passed along my keen fashion sense or my witty sense of humor…I had to pass along my anxiety! I suppose it was inevitable since I come from a long line of worriers.

When we got there he was very clingy. We did a lap around the room, taking in all the cool new things. As time went on, I won’t go so far as to say he was enjoying himself, he found some toys of interest and did his own thing. I felt that it was as successful as it could be.

What happens on Wednesday? What happens when I go to drop him off, he falls apart, I fall apart and he decides he hates school? Aren’t I supposed to be immune to this by now? I have been dropping him off with caregivers since he was six months old. How do I stay composed when he is upset? How do I avoid him being upset? And how am I ever going to take him to college someday without severe sedation?