Aquidneck MomsTown Connect.Share.Inspire

For many children, September will be the first day of Kindergarten or preschool.  For some, it will be the first time away from mom or dad and the first time on a school bus.  Although most children are excited to begin this journey, some are nervous to leave the comforts of their mother's arms.  As a parent, we are often more anxious than our children, following school buses and keeping tears hidden behind sunglasses.  

There are many ways we prepare our children for school, from visits to the classroom and school playground to new lunch boxes and backpacks.  The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn is a wonderful book for parents and children to share to begin the school year.  It provides comfort to both mothers and children letting them know we are always together.  In the kissing hand...

"Chester Raccoon doesn't want to go to school.  He wants to stay home with his mother. She assures him that he'll love school -- with its promise of new friends, new toys, and new books. Even better, she has a special secret that's been in the family for years -- the Kissing Hand. This secret, she tells him, will make school seem as cozy as home. She takes her son's hand, spreads his tiny fingers into a fan and kisses his palm -- smack dab in the middle: "Chester felt his mother's kiss rush from his hand, up his arm, and into his heart." Whenever he feels lonely at school, all he has to do is press his hand to his cheek to feel the warmth of his mother's kiss..." - Reviewed by Karin Snelson - Amazon.com

After reading the Kissing Hand, moms can use a heart shaped stamp to place a heart on the palm of the child's hand.  This will be with them throughout the day whenever they need a mother's kiss.  The kids also like moms to have a stamp on her hand with the child's kiss too.  Remember, you will miss them too!  For many children, an imaginary kiss on the hand provides enough comfort.  The Kissing Hand is a favorite story in our home!