British Parent Bloggers

It’s the time of year when many a parent will be keen to get their offspring back into the arms of their new teacher for the new school-year ahead, having exhausted all the entertainment options (and money) over the 6 week stretch of the summer holidays.

Having tackled the shops and ticked off the list of shoes, uniform, name labels and stationery, it will all be over soon and life can return to normal, proudly watching your children entering their next school year.

However, spare a thought for those for whom school life is new in itself, i.e. the many parents who will be taking their child to the school gates for the very first time. No doubt, there will be plenty of tears being bravely held back as their little ones embark on their first day of “big school”. There will be excitement and doubts as well as new faces and new friendships, not just for the little people but for the big ones as well, those who keep pretending that they are grown-ups but underneath feel the child-like pressures too.

There will also be mothers who will be on the brink of new opportunities that lie ahead, as their youngest or only child enters the classroom. As they wave goodbye, comes the thought “what now?”, as they ponder upon the role they will now fill.

Of course, at the other end of the spectrum, there will be those who will be going back for their very last year of school-life, before forging onto their places at university. Once again, there will be a sense of pride and hidden tears as parents look back and remember holding their hands on the very first day at the school gates and anticipating the last year before their child flees the nest.

Many a scenario brings many an emotion. If you are caught in the middle, make sure that you make time to meet old friends, make new friends to share the occasion and spend the first day back indulging in something that you really enjoy. It won’t be long until you will find yourself at the next stage, whether it’s the end of their first year, last day at school or celebrating their first job or graduation ceremony. Oh and don’t forget the wedding day and your first grand-child. With all that ahead of us, I think I will buy my shares in Kleenex now.

21st Century Mummy has already survived the first year of big school, with her eldest boy “graduating” from reception class this summer. Keep an eye out for her personal memories plus advice on how to survive such times, coming soon at www.21stcenturymummy.co.uk

**British Parent Bloggers is supported by Paula @ Barefoot Books. Thanks Paula