The reality is dawning: my child is starting school

I remember being in the thick of the terrible twos, wondering what I had let myself into and hearing time and time again – “don’t worry, they’ll be off to school before you know it”. Fast forward two years and that reality is now hitting me over the head with an almighty wallop…my daughter is starting school in September.

Even as I write those words it sounds ridiculous. She has been attending the school nursery in the mornings for the last year but a whole day at school? Until 3pm? A life where day to day she will be spending more time out of the house than in the house, away from her family unit….how did that come around so fast?

Of course, I know this is a selfish response. She is so ready for it, so excited for it, so primed to learn, grow and flourish at that new level. It’s my own stupid ego that’s getting in the way. Yet I can’t help having that knee jerk reaction to spend as much quality time with her before that day rolls around all too soon – even though I know we already have SO much quality time…and because of my work set up probably more than most…but it’s like my brain has switched into an overdrive of wanting to create memories while we still have that care free time….much like my pre-pregnant self wanted to go on a massive almighty bender for months on end to “get it all of my system”.

But as I sat in that school hall one evening of late, listening to the introductory talk for Reception parents – as well as feeling all eager, inspired and nervous as only a new school parent can –  I couldn’t help but feel so emotional as the growing up train continued to  speed down the track to the next station in life with everything else around it whizzing by so fast.

I guess the fact she is an only child intensifies everything so much – I know that every new exciting stage I witness will only be a one-time only opportunity but if there’s one thing that really forces me to do it’s to be in the moment and relish every single bit of it – nerves, emotions, excitement and all.

This time in September, she’ll be starting on an amazing and thrilling new journey. She’ll be starting school. And although I can’t wait to watch from the sidelines and support her where she needs it, I can’t but help feeling like I’ll be loosing another little bit of her when I kiss her goodbye at the school gates in those weeks to come, and feeling a bit wobbly about it all.

Have you got a child starting school in September? How are you feeling about it all? Do leave a comment and share.

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44 comments

  1. Remember this one so well… it’s such a big milestone. She will be amazing Hun and believe me the year ahead will have its ups and downs but you’ll be amazed at how much their little minds develop and how quickly xxx

  2. I’ve still got a couple of years yet before Sophie starts school but I’m already dreading it!! School is an amazing place for them, but it just seems like so much time away from home 🙁 x

  3. I remember my little boys first day of school like it was yesterday and now here we are 2 years on and he is soon going into year 2. What the heck happened, I think I will be even more emotional when my youngest starts as he is our last baby. Starting school really is a massive milestone in their and yours lives. When I dropped my eldest off for his first day I walked home sobbing.

  4. I feel exactly the same. So excited for her and anxious. The horror stories of schools plus the added pressure of ‘have I made the right choice?’ Almost cloud the enjoyment she’s going to get from play, learning, discovering and making new friends.
    I’m getting tired of people asking me what am I going to do with my time though.

  5. I can relate. T is an only child too. Like you I was so emotional when she was about to start reception. My husband and I are really embarrassing when it comes to milestones, like you mentioned, everything is intensified because she’s are one and only. Welcome to the school gate! 😉 Ah, now that’s an altogether different world. – some love it, some hate it. x

  6. I don’t have any children but I can imagine that it is must be scary sending off your kid to school for the first time. I hope her transition goes well which well help ease your mind a little bit x

  7. Aww I really feel for you and know that I’ll be feeling exactly the same when the time comes (we’re currently in those terrible twos!). Concentrate on how proud you’ll be of her and that first class assembly…oh the cuteness 🙂

  8. I have quite a few more years until I experience this but my little one starts nursery in a couple of months. I’ll be away from her for 3 days a week and I’m heartbroken at the thought.

  9. Sebastian starts school in September and as he is number 6 this should be a breeze, but he is my last baby and it really feels like the end of an era

  10. I remember this feeling! it’s both exciting and saddening at the same time to know they are growing up but also that you get to start a new chapter!

  11. Anya starts school in September and she is beyond ready! She is a September baby so a lot of her friends went up last year 🙁 She has visited for some sessions and I have to convince her each time not to go in in full uniform already!

  12. Yep I was at the meeting last week. I was so emotional. This is my eldest child do my first experience of full time school. She’s been going to nursery there for 2.5 hours a day but this is a huge step x

  13. Ohh I’m here all over again with Megan in September, it never gets any easier! We just have to do what we have to do to get through it! Waaaaah!

  14. Aw, you are definitely not alone with these feelings! My little one is 11 months today and off to nursery in September- I know it’s not quite the same and he’s only going for three days a week – but it still feels like a huge step! #coolmumclub

  15. My daughter started reception last year, it hit me like a ton of bricks! I had struggled adapting to motherhood and I think I secretly looked forward to her starting school but it was at the start of the summer holidays it dawned on me that come September she was in the arms of someone else, someone else influencing her, a whole day I would probably know very little about. I blubber so much on her first day and it still brings a tear to my eye now!

    But, she loves it, she was more than ready for it, she is developing in leaps and bounds and it’s given me quality time with her little brother too. It will be hard but it soon becomes the norm xx

  16. Be selfish. All summer. Drink her in. Then come September you can do what I plan to, weep. L doesn’t start until next year but even the thought of applying for a school space is too much for me! #coolmumclub

  17. Although it’s a long way off, the thought of Hugo starting school is enough just now. I’ve seen from the other side having worked in Early Years Units just how much children blossom in school, and they do become real little people with friends and independent ideas! You have lots of time to get in those special moments, make the most of it. xx #CoolMumClub

  18. Mine goes this September too. It’s so different as he’s a summer baby and my oldest was a winter one. He seems so small and young to be going, but I am thankful that I only work pt and can be there for most of the drop offs and pick ups to spend time with them both.

  19. Like Ruth above, mine was a summer baby and was so only 4 when he first went. I was heartbroken. Just expect lots of tired tears and lucky for you lots of cuddles for mummy when she comes home. Good luck x
    #coolmumclub

  20. I remember these days, and I’m worried for when they have to start again. It seems like such a big milestone doesn’t it! Most positive thing is that she is excited, you can always put on your best happy face as long as she’s looking forward to it.
    And just think, after a few weeks it’ll be the norm… you’ll have all that peace and quiet! #coolmumclub

  21. Oh Talya that really has coma around so fast but do you know what don’t think just about what you will lose think about all the gains of her wanting to share all her new experiences with her – it’s wonderful watching them tell you, just wonderful. Also all those mummy friends you will make. You’re going to be such a fab school mum – I’d want to be your friend!! #Coolmumclub

  22. Oh I remember that time Talya, it was so hard. When BP started school he’d been attending nursery all day so it wasn’t really much of a change but when LP started it nearly broke my heart. Watching him leave me every day, eager to see his friends and meet new people, it was horrid. But, that was more than 4 years ago now and LP is 8. He still loves going into school and can’t wait to play football with his friends. 🙂
    #coolmumclub

  23. Ellie starts in September and I don’t know how that has happened! She is also ready for it. I guess for me at least I have one more child to precariously live through for 2 more years 😉 I bet they are going to go even faster than the previous 2 years!

  24. Me back again! Just been reflecting today that I can’t believe Tigs is almost finished her reception year…crazy.

    Sending a virtual #coolmumclub hug and tissues for that first day! x

  25. This made me shed a tear as I am so not ready for Amelie to start school next year and it’s already feeling like a hard adjustment! Enjoy your time together and I’m sure it’ll be like every chance you’ll fit right into the new routine xx #coolmumclub

  26. Awww, my eldest in reception – it is lovely to see them develop. He now loves reading and can write mummy X #coolmumclub

  27. It is an emotional time and only really dawns on you when your at the school settling in/parents information meeting. I was sat this week at secondary school with my eldest who I feel like only started yesterday! I hope the transition runs smoothly for you. My 2013 Summerborn starts next September, so I will go through it all again! #coolmumclub

  28. I’m with you Talya. Our eldest starts in September too and I’ve had longer to prepare than most as she will be 5 in September too. It doesn’t make it any easier though. I just can’t believe how quickly the time has gone? They tell you it does but you just can’t appreciate how much it does until it happens can you? I’m sure she’ll be amazing and I’ll be cheering you on from here too xx #coolmumclub

  29. Oh blimey, we’ve just got to the terrible twos stage, but I know before we know it Baby Lighty will be at school! I need to treasure these next two years!! #coolmumclub

  30. Aaaw I remember this stage….I really blubbed when my little girl went to school. She loved it and I felt so alone! It’s an amazing experience for them, they grow so much, you see their personalities shine through, it’s a wonderful time.

    I’m at the secondary school stage, getting the tissues ready for the next round of blubbing! #coolmumclub

  31. We were really excited and terrified in equal measure. The Tubblet was totally unbothered. She toddled in on her first day and didn’t look back. As we’d moved, she didn’t know anyone, but she jut got on with it. We made it back to the car and howled our eyes out.

    It’ll be okay! 🙂 Sending hugs!

  32. I’m sitting here reading this as my youngest is in school for an induction morning! It’s terrifying and exciting all at once isn’t it?! I totally get where you’re coming from. How can it be possible that 5 minutes ago they were just a babe in arms and now in just 2 months time they will be off to school and starting their own independent journey into a new chapter of their life?! It’s crazy and definitely a wake up call to cherish every possible moment. Thanks for hosting #CoolMumClub xx

  33. Ooh this wasn’t the one to read today! Brilliant post – as always, but today is transition day and I dropped Little Man off three hours ago and I swear this is the longest day EVER! And he still has three and a half hours to go – including lunchtime, which he’s never done before! Like yours, mine is so ready but I don’t feel I am. I’m not ready to let my baby go just yet. Damn, why don’t they warn you about this?! Must go, getting totes emosh again…! But it’s nice to know I’m not alone xx #coolmumclub

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