Here it is…back to school time. For parents like me, this is the beginning of a new era, a new stage in our children's lives as well as in our own. I've left my daughter plenty of times in the babysitting area while I work out or with our sitter/family. But it is somehow different. This really is HER adventure. I guess, in a way, it's what we've spent the past three years preparing for ”“ her time to really be herself outside of my shadow.

I know she'll love school. Sure, there is likely to be an adjustment period. She understands that her brother and I will not attend school with her, but when she actually lives it, it might be a little scary for her at first. Once she gets beyond that, she will enjoy learning, making friends and will, assumedly, have much more fun and entertainment than I alone can provide.

But, what about me? Where does HER new adventure leave me? I've spent the last three years preparing for this, but it's suddenly hitting me like a ton of bricks. I will only know what she chooses to tell me about her day. She is on her own to choose whether or not to continue following the rules I've established. I don't know that she realized there was a choice prior. Will she eat her sandwich before her goldfish like she does at home? I am about to leave my daughter in the hands of a stranger…ok, maybe stranger is harsh given that her teacher is someone with whom I am acquainted through a Moms Club, but still, she's NOT ME!

I am thrilled with the decision we made in choosing a preschool. I know it's the right choice for our family and that the people there are amazing. With that said, I am placing a lot of trust that the person I've molded to this point will be the same person after all of these outside influences. And suddenly, I realize that all I've done in these three years has really been important. I haven't been “just” a stay at home mom, busy playing and cleaning. I have been teaching my daughter to be kind, to be a good person, simple lessons of hygiene and humanity every day. Now, all I can do is to hope that I've laid a strong foundation and that her teacher doesn't go and screw it all up!