Phenomenology of a parent-child goodbye on the first day of school
Phenomenology of a parent-child goodbye on the first day of school
Author
Makovichuk, Lee
Faculty Advisor
Date
2020
Keywords
phenomenology , parent goodbye , transition to kindergarten , first day of school
Abstract (summary)
As a milestone in a child’s life, the first day of school is a much-anticipated event. Preparations
usually begin well in advance as families shop for school supplies, visit the school, and talk
about what school will be like. Regardless of the many preparations, the moment of saying
goodbye on the first day of school is sometimes a lot more difficult than either the child or the
parent was prepared for; it can also slip unnoticed in the busyness of arriving and leaving; it
could provoke a memory of a child’s birth; it may precipitate a parent’s sudden realization that
their arms are empty. This paper explores the often-overlooked phenomenon of the parent-child
goodbye on the first day of school. It reflects on singular parental experiences of preparation,
expectation, and relationality. Lippitz’s (2007) inquiry into foreignness of school invites wonder
about the child’s transformation to student and what that might mean for a parent. Drawing from
van Manen’s (2015) phenomenology of pedagogical tactfulness, it offers insights into the
relationality between a parent-child goodbye and the teacher-student hello. Exploring what
makes the parent-child goodbye on the first day of school, as a unique experience, opens new
possibilities for understanding the meaning of a child’s transition to school for the parent.
Publication Information
Makovichuk, L. (2020). Phenomenology of a parent-child goodbye on the first day of school. Phenomenology & Practice. https://journals.library.ualberta.ca/pandpr/index.php/pandpr/
DOI
Notes
Item Type
Article
Language
English
Rights
Attribution (CC BY)
