Another hectic morning of scoffing toast, scurrying children to pre-school.
Then finally the chance to take a deep breath as my own working day began.
Driving down the M5 highway, soaking in the late winter sunshine rays and trying to ignore the traffic, it slipped my mind that the twinions’ playlist was still on.
Past the Frozen soundtrack, skipping through the Wiggles, I subconsciously found myself singing along with the familiar, breezy voice of Justine Clarke.
“Think about something that makes you smile,
Think about it for a little while,
What you feel and what you see and give your smile to me…”
There was the sudden flood of memories that had been long pushed aside.
The days of being surrounded by the double of cots, pacifiers and high chairs.
Dictated by the monotonous routine of Playschool at 9:30 then late morning nap. The eternity it would take to change two sets of nappies.
Remembering how this song was on repeat in the lounge room, wondering when the days would stop dragging.
I kept singing along because while it yes, made me smile. There was also a stubborn lump in my throat and tears caught in my eyes.
A small tinge of regret to why I wasted so much time wishing my days to be less housebound.
Wednesday morning was Orientation Day at “Big School”.
Just down the road from home and around the daycare, it’s a place of some familiarity to the boys.
Mainly because every year there’s a country fair with jumping castles, Shetland pony rides and petting zoos.
So, while Nunu happily took the 6th grader’s hand and excitedly walked with him into the classroom, K-Bear ran straight for the playground.
“Where are the jumping castles, Mama? I want to ride the pony!”
After some gentle coaxing, he slowly walked up the path. He looked back, a little unsure.
Fighting back the tears and the urge to run to him for one more cuddle, I managed a crooked smile, motioning him to go inside.
Then, he was gone.
All that time I aimlessly spent wondering where my days disappeared, what the end game was to mundaneness of motherhood?
It was this.
Despite the doubt and innate fear of letting them go, there is the beautiful assurance you did something right; that they are very much ready.
Thanks, Justine.
What are your tips for a Mama going through the big school transition? Do you remember your own first day at “Big School”? Was Justine on repeat in your home?
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I sure do remember it with my eldest. We both cried. It was hard, even though she’s been in full time day care. It was all new! It’s lovely that your boys have each other xx
Amy @ handbagmafia recently posted..Appeal To Nature
Ah yes, Time is a pesky beast. You will it away and you can’t get it back.
I hardly recall my kids kindy days. Well, I can remember Darby’s but it was traumatic for both of us so I won’t go into that here.
Right now I am getting one ready for “college” (year 11 and 12) and the other ready for high school. Both will be going to new BIG schools next year.
You think your time is going fast!
Eeeeeeeeeeeek.
You and your boys have a whole new set of adventures just around the corner.
Embrace it. It’s fun!
L
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit recently posted..Day 2157 – Fibromyalgia
I’ve just done my first ‘big school’ year. My advice is to be prepared, they will probably love it, but it is exhausting and as each term nears to an end be prepared for the last week or two to drag. The best part is seeing just how much they learn every single day and how many friends they accumulate so quickly. Enjoy the ride. And know you are not alone in singing along to the kids play list 🙂
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages recently posted..Friday Favourite Stylist Splash
The endgame to Mother hood never comes – I was at a parenting thing and a woman there was talking of her 25 year old…and it hit me. We’re not just waiting for them to be independent adults…they’ll always have moments when they need us, and when we need to be the right parent for them!!
Lydia C. Lee recently posted..Stole the show
My youngest will be starting high school next year! It seems like only yesterday he started kindergarten! Time flies so quickly. I feel like it’s the start of another era and I’m wishing time would slow down a bit, not speed up continuously!
Ingrid @ fabulous and fun life recently posted..Brite Organix – Pink Hair To Celebrate Spring!
It’s such a happy and sad time, mixed together Grace! Yes, I totally remember day 1, and now it’s high school, way too quickly.
Bell’s almost as tall as me now, and she said to me last night “Mum, I don’t want to be taller than you. I want you to always be able to pick me up.”
Well I can’t scoop her up any more, but I’ll always be around if she needs me to catch her. We always are, as mums.
Just quietly, I kind of miss those songs 🙂
They’ll be brimming with new stuff to tell you every day xx
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen recently posted..how you see you
Oh this made me feel a bit emotional Grace! And it’s a good reminder for me to not wish away the days with my toddler. Big school will be here before too long and I’ll know I’ll be a wreck!
I cried for 2 out of 4 of my babies when they started primary school. I cried for No.2 as I didn’t think she was ready and so far her schooling life has been difficult. I cried for No.4 as I was sad that my baby stage had come to an end..
natalie @ Our Parallel Connection recently posted..As a parent I am still learning – Anxiety in Teenagers
It seems so long ago now. My eldest is now 17 and in year 11 and my youngest is 13 and started high school (yr 8) this year. They grow up far too quickly.
Raych aka Mystery Case recently posted..Worth Casing Blog – Bake Play Smile
It’s so hard to live in the moment when they’re young! It’s almost like you need to live one day, have a break, then live another day, and so on!
Rebecca Bowyer recently posted..To the mother of the toddler who drowned
Gosh how your boys have grown!!! And what beautiful boys they are! It’s SO exciting that they had their orientation!!! But sad too of course!
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile recently posted..Fabulous Foodie Fridays #67
My oldest finishes school forever in two weeks. It still remember her first day of kindergarten all those years ago and I wonder where all the time has gone and man has it gone fast! This is such an exciting time for your boys and for you too, such an exciting next stage of their lives. I have been having my own “moments” lately and with a graduation, formal and final exams to look forward to over the next few weeks, I’m sure there are plenty more to come.
Mandy, barbie bIeber and beyOnd recently posted..10 Movies That Will Make You Cry
They grow so fast don’t they? Pretty sure I’m going to be an absolute mess on my sons first day of school!
We’re coming up to first day of school for my big boy next year and I’m terrified! In NZ they start on their birthday so it will be quite the special occasion. I vaguely remember my first day, what I recall is painting and being too scared to ask the teacher if I could go to the bathroom (of all things!). Haha.
Haidee@Maybe Baby brothers recently posted..The Weekly Sum Up (#2)
Oh Grace what a bittersweet moment – amazing to watch them grow and develop, but on the other hand, you just want to shout “Wait! Slow down!”
I bet they love big school x
Mumma McD recently posted..First child vs second child
I had to hold back tears when we saw Justine in concert a year or two ago. She just seemed to ‘represent’ so much for me! It was a weird reaction and I felt ridiculous, but I can relate to so much of what you’ve written here. I guess I’m lucky that my Mr 4 is now picking up where my big girls left off and I get to re-listen to all those songs over again.
Lara at This Charming Mum recently posted..Too Busy Sleeping By Zanni Louise & Anna Pignataro
It’s really amazing how fast they grow. I was just looking and Lil Pumpkin that day and realising how tall she got! Soon she will be taller than me!!! Next year she will be entering Primary 1… it’s going to be a HUGE change in both our lives and I hope that we will both cope well! She enjoyed preschool pretty much and for that, I am very grateful as in the beginning.. she cried and fussed so much I thought we’d never get to this stage 😛
Ai Sakura recently posted..Bub & Me: Teacher’s Day 2015 | Easy “You’re Sweet & Tea-rrific!” Obentos
No first days here for a little while yet, 2018 or thereabouts. Dropping Lady off at day care is enough of a tear jerker, every bloody time!
I am a twin, and all that I remember of first day of school is my twin brother holding onto me and ducking down behind me. It was even featured in his school reports of that year, that he wasn’t quite as dependant on me anymore haha.
Dani @ sand has no home recently posted..Suffer, the Little Children
I welcomed the day he started school, I couldn’t wait to do all these things that I child in tow prevented my from achieving. However reality is a little different. I worried, as he is an anxious child – would he spend the day crying, did he make friends. And top of that the school days is isn’t that long. I do however enjoy the holidays more with him now than I did the first 4 years at home. I think that absence makes the heart grow fonder thing, we really enjoying hanging out together.
Sally@Toddlers on Tour recently posted..Photo Flashbacks: Grand Hyatt Bali Review
I remember feeling like this when my son started school! Luckily he adjusts easily and he didn’t even get upset. At least there’s one balanced, sensible person in the family! LOL
Di from Max The Unicorn recently posted..My August Goals Revisited!
Letting go into the next life transition where you will have significantly less control and communication compared to pre school and day care is HARD.
Advice: as you did ask!
1. The kids will mirror your emotions. So, best if you can to be the actress…ok?
2. Try, please, not to tell the kids that you will ‘miss them’ when they go to school. I know, of course, you will, but some kids take that so seriously they decide that staying home with you will help you.. again, the ‘act’ OK?
3. Life is about the change and it’s different at school. School only goes from (say) 9-3 and the kids will need before/after school picks ups/drop offs by parent(s) at least for first term.
4. School Holidays. Yes. Again parents who’ve had the previous years of daycare/pre school get a wee shock when they need to plan for school hols/school development days throughout the year.
5. If you haven’t already, subscribe to the school’s newsletter or keep up to date with the website so you get a feel for the school and how the year goes
6. Be prepared for a whole new list of school-based notes and words, expressions that will quickly remind you ‘oh, school, I used to go there ! now you are a parent
7. Join in the school community to the level where you feel comfortable.
8. Avoid the unofficial ‘FB sites for the school’ that become whingefests
9.Talk of the school and the teacher in a positive light in front of the boys. Have your more frank discussions out of earshot.
10. And, unfortunately, the teacher probably won’t be able to give you more than a quick ‘all good’ response to ‘how did he go today’ at the end of the day… and please, if you can, arrange no after school events/happenings for the first term.
11. The kids will be exhausted and cranky and will need to have tea and go to bed earlier than you imagine.
It will be OK. it always is.
Denyse xx
Denyse recently posted..13 Years Ago. 246/365.
Oh Mama G, you can cry with us next time we meet up. Take heaps of photos and tissues!
Kristyn recently posted..The multicultural child
So glad they are ready Grace and you are too, despite that lump in your throat. With our Miss Yin I remember putting on the Abba song ‘Slipping through my fingers’ which was big from the Mamamia movie and just bawling, and playing it again and crying some more. A lot easier second time around.
Kathy recently posted..What I love about hubby as a Dad
Oh Grace – such sweet words. I hear you. We can get so caught up in getting through each day. It all goes so fast 🙂 Thanks for the reminder to slow down and soak it all in! xxxx
Gorgeous then and now pics of your boys! Having just started my son in school this year, my advice is to just be prepared for anything. I was confident my son would be fine, which he was… until the time came to put on his school uniform. Then… utter hysteria and outright refusal. I thought we’d have to start again next year! But it all sorted itself out… and now it’s a memory like all those others.
Zoe Meunier recently posted..The night I found a small woman in my closet
I was only just thinking today how quickly the time is flying. The though of school used to be so far away. Being a mum is getting a bit easier and a bit more fun right now too. We jumped in muddy puddles today. I was so glad I got out of the house despite the rain. These are the memories worth making.
peachy Keen Mumma recently posted..Zucchini Bread (It’s Just Like Banana Bread)
Oh just a lovely post. I sure do remember, we did it twice this year because we moved.
We used a countdown calendar to get ready for school, I think it helped alot.
Here’s the link https://www.tomfo.com/free-countdown-to-school-calendar#.VekiAxZVjjM
It’s very exciting and scary at the same time, I think I was more nervous than he was in the end.
Have a great weekend lovely lady x
sarah@tomfo recently posted..Give Someone a Compliment Today – Free Printable
Wow. What a difference a few years makes, eh? My daughter (my youngest) was a preemie as well.
As for the school thing? Sorry, I won’t be any help to you there. I was a basket case the day my boys went to pre-school the first time. They handled it much better than I did! :/
LuAnn Braley recently posted..#septemberchallenge #NaBloPoMo 4 – Lessons
I’m so glad I don’t need to do the big school thing for ages because I’m going to be a mess when the time comes. I haven’t even put her in daycare yet. I’m still way too used to spending all my time with her {as much as I’d love a break every now and then}.
Toni @ Finding Myself Young recently posted..I need your help
Time flies by when you’re having fun! Your boys are so blessed to have each other, and parents like you! As an ex-teacher, in my experience the parents are always more anxious than the kids! I know it’s a big milestone, but think of it as a marker of being mama awesome! x
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid recently posted..She’s So Inspiring – Lana Cook
Oh Grace, I know how you feel. I have loved being home with my girls and wish I could remember everything we have done together. It makes me sad that they are growing up so quickly.
Popette started Kindy last year. I didn’t cry as I wanted it to be exciting for her and it was. We were all excited about her first day and thankfully she had no dramas going to school each day. The hardest thing I find is getting her out of her shell and making friends. x
Julie @ Off to the park recently posted..After the NICU
Not Justyne so much, but the Wiggles and Playschool definitely! Transitioning to big kid school is hard. You go from caring for your children 24/7 to entrusting their care to let’s face it, strangers, for a good portion of the day. My advice: tissues and tea mornings with other parents going through the same thing! =)
Jen Rose recently posted..Playing Catch-up, pt 1: Phoebe
Days are moving with high pace. Memories are always fill our hearts with love.
My youngest is starting school next year too, but we haven’t started the transitions yet. I know exactly how you are feeling! Sometimes I feel a little sad, but I have 3 kids and my eldest is 11, so I’ve been waiting many years for this moment of freedom lol
It does seem like a lifetime ago that I was doing as you were doing (but with only 1 child): I’d hang out for Playschool to begin so I could sleep on the couch in the lounge while the little miss was occupied for 30 mins. Going to Wiggles concerts, watching Hi-5 DVDs, going to Gloria Jeans for a babycino 🙂 Nice memories.
But as they move onto the next stage of their lives, there are new things to be excited about and new memories to create 🙂
Natalie recently posted..Palais Garnier And Me: Because I’m Worth It
Oh wow…they’re starting school next year! Time flies, doesn’t it? It’s great that there are orientation days for kindy though…gets them familiar with the place. Looking forward to hearing how it all goes in Feb.
Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life recently posted..10 things that made me happy Week 1