So Meme’s first year of full time education is all done. I can’t quite believe it – it’s gone in a flash. It’s been a funny old year and I think possibly the hardest year yet. There has been some tough times – it’s not been quite what I expected, definitely a learning curve for all of us.
Here are a few things I have learnt:
- You never get used to the school run, getting both kids up, dressed and out of the house in time for school has been tough.
- It takes time – I naively thought it would be easy but it took a long time tor Meme to settle in. She is a September baby and turned 5 a couple of weeks after starting school. She seemed more than ready for this transition and was so excited at first. Excitement was replaced by uncertainty but she adapted after around 6 months. I felt so much worry but many teachers have told me since this is perfectly normal
- It is important to make friends – I actually made a real effort to make friends in the playground and I am so glad I did. You see these people every single day so it’s nice to see a friendly face. It is also nice to have someone to chat to who is going through the same thing as you – who is also experiencing the school and teachers for the first time – sometimes you just need a little bit of advice from someone who understands. To my surprise I have actually met some lovely people and gained some close friends.
- It always rains on the school run – that is no lie. Buy an umbrella or at least a coat with a hood!
- The amount of parties you will be invited to is crazy – every weekend there is something else. In the first few months you are a little worried if your child isn’t invited to one but by the end of the year you are relieved.
I think the biggest and most important thing that I have learnt is to accept Meme for who she is. I was quite a popular child, excitable and cheery who loved school. I expected Meme to be the same, she isn’t, she is a completely different character. I guess it took me a while to understand this and, whilst at times I still get frustrated by her, I do try to understand and let her take things at her own pace. She will get there in her own time.
So we have got 6 weeks of lazy days, family time and play dates. I want to work on her reading and prepare her for year 1 but most of all I want her to relax, not worry about time and enjoy herself. I am so excited to have her all to myself for a while.
My son has just finished reception too. It’s bloody hard work getting them both up and dressed in a morning isn’t it? I always end up shouting x #BloggerClubUK
Such hard work, who knew! I end up shouting and then I always feel guilty! Thanks for your comment Emma x
Lovely post! We are quite a while away from school here, but I think many of those points applying to baby groups too! #sharewithme
Yes they do – I was always so nervous at baby groups. Thank you lovely x
I also made sure to attend those after school palyground meeting. It really helped my son when he is in Reception. He is now in Year 1 and Year 2 next September and like you I am still learning about my son, about his learning and the routine everyday. #sharewithme
Its a constant learning curve as they are always changing. Thanks for your comment lovely x
Awww this made me feel so emotional, this will be me this time next year and ready to start all over again with Megan! I laughed about it always raining on the school run, you are SO right! What’s that all about?!! #sharewithme
I still feel emotional every time I think about her in school I don’t think I will ever get used to it! Thanks lovely x
I think you are very right, you never get used to the school run, My little boy moves to reception in September. I am looking forward to the regular school runs and not having the extra one picking him up from nursery. Seriously why is that? why does it have to rain on the school run>? #sharingthebloglove
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I don’t know and before Meme started school I never even noticed! Good luck in September! x
I am off to buy a coat with a hood! Alice starts reception in September and I think I am more worried about me making friends with the other mums than I am about Alice who is just so excited and can’t wait to get there. I know that when your child starts school, its actually the whole family that joins the school and I really need to put my big girl pants on and make some friends. You enjoy the summer holidays with your girls and no school runs! These 6 weeks are going to fly by I just know it! Thank you for joining us again for #SharingtheBlogLove Laura x
Seriously lovely you will thank me for that tip! I felt nervous too but remember the majority of Mum’s are all in the same boat! You are so right about your comment – it affects the whole family! Thanks Laura x
It does take getting used to. I’m not great with the whole school mums thing yet even after years of it. I love it now that they are getting older and are finding their way and their confidence is growing.
Mainy – myrealfairy
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Thank you lovely – the school playground is definitely a minefield!
Oh gosh, enjoy every minute of the summer holidays! I am not looking forward to the panic of the morning school run – I know already I’ll be terrible at it! That’s lovely that you’ve managed to make friends with the other parents though – I know I’ll have to force myself to do that, but I really hope I can meet some similarly lovely people! I love your point about accepting your child for who they are. I am the opposite with mine – I’m an introvert who doesn’t like to talk to new people, but Max is what I would describe as over friendly – he loves to make friends and say hello and goodbye to everyone! It’s taken some adjusting to really get used to that, but it’s also encouraged (or rather, forced!) me to come out of my shell a bit more with strangers. Thanks so much for joining us again at #SharingtheBlogLove
Thanks lovely, I used to be a social butterfly when I was younger but I am finding myself becoming more and more unsociable – so I made a real effort and I am so glad I did. It helps with Meme too as we arrange play dates etc.
I’d heard siblings can be very different but hadn’t thought about them differing from their parents. Perhaps she takes after her Dad. #ShareWithMe
Yes she is much more similar to her Dad – she also gets his brains which is a good thing!! Thanks lovely x
Oh lol – it really does always rain on the school run, how very true! Thanks for linking to #sharewithme this week
It is mad isn’t it! Thanks for hosting lovely x
Oh I have all this to come, she is such a beauty. Thanks for linking up to #TheList x