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dd starts school after christmas and I am so sad

10 replies

DimpledThighs · 05/12/2006 22:34

I feel like such a wimp. I have a ds 7 and my dd 4 is starting school after christmas and I know I am going to miss her so much. I am lucky inlots of ways, she knows the school, she knows people there etc but I feel that for the past 8 years my main role in life has been the bringing up of my children. I know I am still going to be doing that, but a substainial amount of that will be done by the school. I feel like I am going to be worthless.

Of course I have kept all of this from my dd but I know this is breaking my heart.

tell me you have been there and what it is like!

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WethreebobKings · 05/12/2006 22:36

I haven't been there - but I will be this time next year when my one and only child goes to school. I feel a bit sad about him going to Kindy in January.

As a teacher I always tell people that they are only there 15% of the time anyway. Does that help at all?

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frances5 · 05/12/2006 22:39

I think what you feel is very normal. Starting school is a big change. Children have to toughen up and the simple life of a pre schooler is over for ever.

It is the end of an old chapter and the start of a new one.

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DimpledThighs · 05/12/2006 23:17

thank you - you have made me feel a little better, sad but better.

Usually I am fine and then sometimes it really gets to me.

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granarybeck · 05/12/2006 23:25

I know it might not make you feel any better, but try and think how lucky you are to have had that time with your children. Imagine if you were saying you'd regretted staying at home with them or that you wished you'd stayed at home. My two are now at school (8 and 9) and to be honest i feel they need me far more so i wouldn't worry about being worthless! be proud of having successfully got them this far! And enjoy your spare time to go for a coffee and read a whole paper etc

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ChristmasisComing · 05/12/2006 23:27

It is a big step change, but as the preschool door closes the schoolchild one opens.

My ds started school in september, dd started last year. They are both so happy and regularly surprise me with the things they say and are learning.

You will still be needed - possibly more so - but in a different capacity, and you will have some 'pamper' time during the day!

Good luck

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DimpledThighs · 06/12/2006 13:14

still feeling blue - am counting the days. Surely I am not alone!

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BuffysMum · 06/12/2006 13:33

Dd2 started in Sep and despite having 2 younger dd's I still cried and cried, they drive me nuts but I miss her and I miss the relationship I had with her when she wasn't at school because it does change.

Hugs

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happystory · 06/12/2006 15:35

I was just like you, ds was already at school and the thought of dd (4 years younger)starting tore me apart. I'ts definitely the end of an era. But really she will be fine, it will just take a period of adjustment and you move onto another lovely phase. It will be lovely to see her bursting out of school with lots to tell you!

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sunnysideup · 06/12/2006 16:34

dimpled, haven't you found with your ds that there is lots MORE to support him with once he was at school? All the new challenges that life is throwing at him, guiding him through learning the social skills and the academic stuff; a concerned and interested parent like you plays a HUGE part in the education of their children......with both kids at school you certainly won't be worthless; you will be their key to succeeding.

If you think I'm blathering on (and I do that) just look at how kids in care do in education; it's truly awful. And kids with parents who don't value school do badly too. You're more important than ever in supporting them to reach their potential, and also in being the haven they escape to to forget all the trials and efforts of the day, they appreciate home so much more when they are at school all day!

If you have time and don't have to go straight to work, you could even get involved in helping at the school in some way.....but just finally, yes it is the start of a new chaper and don't forget, focus on something outside of the family as well; my mum did her degree when we were both finally in school and we were SO proud of her...

enjoy christmas with your ds and you pre-school dd!

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DimpledThighs · 06/12/2006 19:45

thank you - I feel better. I suppose I have had such a wonderful time with her that I am sad that it is going to go, even though the future may be rosy and fun I can only think of what we won't have.

silly me.