Preparing to send my youngest, my last baby, to school

My youngest is 4, turning 5 in October. She'll be starting school next week and I'm freaking out a little bit!

On the one hand she thrives on routine - not unlike her mum! - and is super social so I know she'll love school. Plus she has great writing skills and has shown an interest in reading.

But on the other hand it just seems too soon.

When I ask her how she's feeling about starting big school she says she's nervous. Which in itself shows a significant level of maturity and therefore she'll be ready to adapt. 

Here's what I'm reminding myself as I prepare to settling my second daughter into school:

1. It won't be a linear process. She'll have good days and bad. Some days she'll come home full of positive energy, other's she'll be shattered. Sometimes she'll excitedly run through the gate in the morning, other times she'll have a wobble. It's all normal.

2. She can't read yet and that's OK. In fact that's exactly what she'll be learning to do at school. At least this time I'll have a clue about Phonics and her big sis is keen to help as well.

3. She'll miss her 'mummy mornings' as she wasn't in full time nursery before. We'll both miss those slower mornings where we just hung out together. She's been my shadow for so long, even coming to work with me when she was little.

4. It's the right thing for her and our family. Her big sister is very happy at the school and I'm confident that she will be too in time.

5. Oh and it's ok for me to take time to adjust too! I'll miss her and I'll miss both my girls being home after the 6 week holidays. I have a huge shift in motherhood ahead with both girls in school. I'm excited for it but I'm also apprehensive. So I need time to process my feelings too.

So if you're preparing to send your little one to nursery or school too, I wish you a gentle transition. Be kind to yourself,

Rose

Your child starting school can be emotional and take time to adjust to.