How I feel about my babies starting school
It’s finally here, the time has come when all my babies will be at school. Yes, Pinky and Boo will be starting next week. I can’t believe it. How it feels like yesterday we brought them home in our arms, when I could protect them, hold them tight and keep them in sight. Life was hard then, with 2 newborn babies and a just turned 2yr old. However, it was a wonderful time too, absolutely magical. Everyone says it gets easier, but I think I have to disagree. Yes, it gets physically easier, but mentally and emotionally it gets a whole lot harder!
As a parent you watch your children grow, learn and reach each stage of development with wonderment, glowing with pride at everything they do. I have loved every minute of it….even the bad times.
We are now about to start a new chapter. I have had babies at home with me for 6 years and now it is time to let them venture out into the big wide world of school. It is time to let them be influenced by others, make new friends, learn some independence and show me what they can achieve by themselves.
I am feeling a little emotional. I have mixed feelings about this new chapter. It is not easy letting my babies go. It is sad to think I will never have a baby at home with me again (until grandchildren maybe??). I have always been a fairly strict mum and have never been over protective of them, so feeling emotional has come as quite a shock. I am not seriously worried about how the children will settle, though obviously I want them to be happy, I am sure they will be fine. I think it is more about how I will manage my change in lifestyle. The fact that I have children growing up and not babies, toddlers or preschoolers anymore is actually scaring me.
I felt different when BB started school, he needed to learn and grow. I still had two babies at home, so it was easier to let him go, learn, develop his independence and see what he could do. Is that really bad of me??
On the other hand, the start of school for Pinky and Boo is something I am ready for. I am in desperate need of some space and quiet time. I think this will help us all have much better quality time when we are together. The kids will get the learning stimulation they are craving and I get time to do the house work and have some peace, so that I’m ready for their return home, which I will be eagerly waiting for. Hence, I am actually looking forward to them going to school too (does that make me a bad mother??).
I have a long list in my head of all the things I’d like to do when they start school, from sorting, organising and thoroughly cleaning the house (which is desperately needed), to working on monetizing my blog, doing a course and looking into writing work (though I have no idea how to do these). This is how I plan on staying sane as a stay at home mum to school children.
I am very scared, but looking forward to starting a new chapter of my life as a parent next week. I will let you know how it goes.
How do/did you feel about your children starting school? Do you have any tips?
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I hope your little ladies had a great time at school and that you managed to have some good ‘me’ time ;o)
My eldest starts pre-school next week, just afternoons but I’m like you I am surprised how emotional I’ve felt about it. At the same time I can’t want to have some time at home with the twins , they deserve some time with me but it’s so scary and out of my comfort zone, I can totally relate to your post. Lovely photo of you all and I hope they enjoy school and you enjoy a bit of time to yourself xx #wotw
Thank you. I think they will like school and I will enjoy some quiet time too
i agree – sometimes we’re not actually scared for them, but more for how it affects us. Sounds like you have plenty to keep you busy which will help, and by the holidays you’ll be wondering how you managed at home with them all the time!
Yes, Ive got my list of everything I want to do to keep me sane home alone. I think the children will be fine, it’s more about how I will manage it
For the first time in many years, I’m going to be in the same position as you as my ‘baby’ starts school next week. He’s been to nursery so I’ve experienced part time separation, but school feels so different. I’m also scared, and also looking forward to the free time. You would think I was used to it all by now (he’s number five!) I’ll be watching to see how you get on xx
It is scary isn’t it, but nobody tells you that when you sign up
I have to agree that it gets harder as they get older. The teen years are emotionally more draining than the baby/ toddler years (although at least they don’t wake you up early). Fran has started nursery this week and OJ has started college it’s been very hard for me, but they’ve loved it. I think once you get into a new routine you will enjoy the time you have away from each other and cherish the time together even more x
Glad they’ve loved their new places. It’s tougher on the parents I think and I can’t begin to imagine how hard it is with teenagers!
It is completely understandable why you are feeling scared – especially as they will all be out of the house and at school now. Not easy for you at all. You are so right about it getting mentally harder too – I find myself wondering what Grace is up to every day she is at school! Hope they all really enjoy it and ease your fear. Thank you for linking to PoCoLo
x
It definitely does get harder as they get older and have to let them go more and more x
I hope it goes well for them (and you) next week. As you know, we have Boo starting here, so I’m in a similar boat, though I will still have Little Man at home with me for another 3 years, so see no glimpse of that quiet time you mention! I hope you enjoy it, and I’m sure you’ll get into a new routine soon enough x Thanks for sharing with #WotW
Thank you, I’m sure they will enjoy it and I am sure I will enjoy the quiet time too, just hope the novelty doesn’t wear off. Good luck next week to you too x
You’ve pretty much written a similar post to me in many ways, except my youngest is starting nursery rather than school. I share your mixed feelings about it all too, but I’m enjoying the fact that my son is so happy at nursery and the extra time is lovely.
It is very confusing isn’t it, you’re happy and sad at the same time. I hope he enjoys nursery
Aww! I’m sure they’ll have a fantastic time at school! I hope it goes well for them and for you x
Thank you
Hope all goes well with your girls starting school – such a big step on the parenting journey. We are still a couple of years away from it yet and am trying to make the most of the time with my babies at home as am sure it will fly past
Thank you. It is a big step, but a good one. Enjoy the time you have with your babies, it goes so fast!
It’s always hard when they start school, however it does make everyone appreciate the time you have together when you haven’t seen them all day, so although its a roller coaster of emotions it can feel quite nice to feel appreciated when they run out of class to see you
#WotW
You are right, I am hoping to be able cherish the times together better
It is always hard, and each year I still find it hard – even though my oldest is a teen! It makes the quality time that you have with each other so special though and that is precious. It’s not easy being a parent! #WotW
Yes, it’s tough as a parent, but we will make more of the time we do have together
Really scary to let your child go out in to the world. My son started yesterday and it was a bit chaotic as we were almost late! But days before the school a=I am anxious and nervous and clueless as I didnt go to school in this country and I dont know what to do. We are just going with the flow. Still scary but seeing him mingle with his classmates makes me less scared but like you scared nonetheless. #wotw
I think going with the flow is a good approach, hope he is enjoying it
Great post Karen and I think your feelings are completely understandable, being both apprehensive about them going off to school but also looking forward to getting some time to focus on you! I have wondered how I will feel when that time comes so I shall be keen to see how you get on! Xx #pocolo
Thanks, I am looking forward to finding out how this new change is going to take shape for them and me
I hope you get used to your babies being at school it can be really hard when you are used to them being at home at the time. Hope they enjoy being at school now x
Thank you, I’m sure we’ll all get used to it and love it x