‘Boo-Hoo Breakfast,’ ‘Kleenex and Coffee’ comfort kindergarten parents

WHNT-TV personality Robert Reeves (center) attended the Boo-Hoo Breakfast with West Madison Principal Dr. Daphne Jah (at his left) and other school officials. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – On the first day of school, most kindergarten students adapted easily to the classroom environment. However, ‘grieving’ parents found solace at the “Boo-Hoo Breakfast” and “Kleenex and Coffee.”

Eight years ago, West Madison Elementary School leaders decided to begin the Boo-Hoo Breakfast to give kindergarten parents a chance to meet each other and PTA volunteers, Principal Dr. Daphne Jah said.

“Sometimes, parents have a hard time separating from their children in kindergarten, but this event gives them a place to go,” Jah said. West Madison PTA members now sponsor the Boo-Hoo Breakfast.

Parents feel much more positive when they arrive at school and meet other parents experiencing the same dilemma. “They meet myself and other teachers in a relaxed atmosphere. They feel so much better,” Jah said.

Jah believes parents think of their children as “little babies. It’s hard at every stage to let them grow up.” She personally experienced similar emotions when her children went off to middle school. “I’m sure it will be the same at high school. It’s the fear of the unknown.”

West Madison PTA served breakfast to about 40 parents. “There were no tears,” Jah said. West Madison has about 60 kindergartners.

“Kindergarten students nowadays adjust very well,” Jah said. “Most attend some sort of preschool program so they’re familiar with school.”

Heritage Elementary School has a similar first-of-school event called “Kleenex and Coffee.”