My oldest niece starts elementary school this fall. When I talk to her about it, she’s excited. A new school means more friends, nice teachers and exciting experiences she’s never had before. (Also, recess.) Her nerves are slight, only stemming from the fact that everything is so different from what she already knows. And if I had it my way, that’s the only reason she’d ever be afraid to go to school.

When I talk to my older sister about her daughter being away from her all day, in someone else’s care and at the world’s whims, apprehension clouds the excitement she has for her kids. Every bit of enthusiasm over her child having a learning environment that will provide steady socialization with other kids and all the chances to imagine, play and grow is overshadowed by a giant asterisk at

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