to be properly upset that my youngest is leaving primary school next week?

[DahlsChickens]

None of my friends seem especially bothered and when I sobbed about it mentioned it to my DH, he helpfully said "He'll be leaving home soon". There's a leavers' assembly next week and I'm already in pieces. Please tell me I'm not alone and BU?

[gothicangel]

i was the same when my dc when up to jnr's

it will be ok, dont worry, enjoy the leavers assembly xx

[TheSpokenNerd]

Why are you upset? He's still your child....primary is just one step...of many.

[sugarplumfairy]

My youngest leaves in two weeks, and I'll be sobbing when the time comes, so UANBU. It's a big part of your life coming to an end, so it's natural to be upset. I'm not looking forward to it, i just hope my DD2 isn't too upset as well, we'll be swimming home on the last day!

[DahlsChickens]

I guess it is the end of a little era. No more chats walking to school (he'll be walking with friends from now on), no more gossiping in the playground with the nice mums, no more appalling but endearing shows to endure, no more 'littleness', I suppose.
Wonder if it's too late to have another....?!

[TroublesomeEx]

Oh ignore hard hearted nerds!

I wasn't emotional at all when DS started school, but I cried on the way out of school on DD's first day.

And I cried on DS's last day of primary.

In secondary they become so much more independent and stop being 'children'. It won't be long before he shoots up and his voice breaks (sorry, am I making it worse?!).

Of course it's all part of the same amazing and exciting journey, but it's still a bit sad when each phase ends, however exciting the next phase is going to be!

[sugarice]

I felt a bit like you when ds3 left primary, my connection with that school was over and at secondary Parents aren't really "required" so to speak unless there's a problem.

[thornrose]

I'll definitely "have something in my eye" when dd leaves Middle School next week. Not all her friends are going to the same High School

[Anniepops]

I was exactly the same ( my youngest left primary school nearly 5 years ago) - I honestly felt as if my heart was breaking even though I couldn't think of a totally logical explanation why!! (I am quite soppy to be fair!
I

[TroublesomeEx]

You do feel a bit like a spare part by the time they start secondary school and by year 8.

"Ooh, they have X club after school on Thursdays. Would you like to go?"

turns into

"Mum, X club is on after school on Thursdays. We don't have anything else on, so I'm going. Ok?"

But it's not really an "ok?" you're expected to say no to. Because they've already considered the practicalities.

[sugarplumfairy]

I've been thinking of having another for about 4 years! Am too old now, though, it would only put off the inevitable. It's just another part of growing up, which happens all too quickly.

[Mrsjay]

I was really excite d for dd1 going to high school i was distraught a wee bit upset when dd2 left primary I did get over it though but it a strange feeling just wait till they are leaving school that is a strange feeling

[Ithinkitsjustme]

I can't say that it has ever bothered me when my kids went from one stage to the next, havin said that I have far too many kids and my youngest is only 3 so I've a way to go before I reach that stage with her. I do know lots of people who have got upset when their children have moved school and also when they have gone away on school camps (instead of having a celebration as I do!! You are not alone and YANBU either, just try not to let your child see that you are upset, they should be exited about this next stage, not feel scared by it if possible.

[Condover]

2 years ago I saw a load of Yr6 mums blubbing in the playground and thought FFS. I didn't cry when they started school and I didn't cry when they went on their first cub camps etc...

I now work in the school, the year 6s (my DS1 among them) have been practicing the songs for their leavers assembly for weeks and I can't even walk past without my eyes filling. Have no idea what I'm going to do on the day.

[sugarplumfairy]

Sorry to hijack, but I have thought about buying the school something to say thanks, but I can't think of what. Has anyone got any ideas?

[Ithinkitsjustme]

Our school have a system where pupils can buy a book for the library from a suggested list. Otherwise ask if there's a piece of equipment that the class/ school would like for the playground, some skipping ropes or something - doesn't need to be expensive, or a new kettle for the staff room.
I hate the idea of buying presents for teachers just because they get so many of them that they never seem to know what to do with them. Many teachers I know take them to car boot sales - seems a bit pointless to me tbh.

[simbo]

I truly can't wait for him to leave. Nor can he, but I do understand your point. Make sure you have a list of phone numbers of other mums, and make sure you get together for coffee once in a while. Tell yr kids you love them and no matter how grown up life/school forces them to be, they are still your babies. It always surprises me how they do still want a cuddle on the sofa when no one else is around.

[sugarplumfairy]

Thanks, the book system sounds good. I will ask office for ideas, hopefully cheap ones!

[MrsPresley]

Awww, dont worry too much, you could be like me...

My 2 grandsons have just left primary school...

how the hell did that happen

I'm not old enough to have grandchildren at secondary school

On the plus side though I still have my youngest DD at primary

[EnjoyResponsibly]

Don't blame you OP, I cry every time I go to class assembly, sports day, swimming galas, whatever.

DC's are a constant source of wonder and pride, it's bittersweet seeing them achieve and enjoy knowing its making them better rounded people, that need you a tiny bit less at each stage.

[DahlsChickens]

Glad I'm not totally alone in being a bit soppy! I guess these milestones are where you get hit in the face by how quickly these great bits of life are going by. I nearly put onwards and upwards but I'm not there yet. Just need to wallow a bit more...

[mayaswell]

It is the end of an era, no doubt about it. I think it's good to feel emotional about saying goodbye to such an important stage of your life. Then you can all move on to the next exciting phase!

The leavers assembly is a sobathon, good and sentimental, photos of them all from nursery onwards, a hug from the headteacher and a good song.

Tissues and waterproof mascara!

[Pancakeflipper]

I am going armed with tissues for the end of Summer Infant school concert. I will cry because I love this school, it's such a fun place to learn. He's only moving up the school playground to Juniors and he's a younger brother to follow. But I will still wail.

[DiscoDaisy]

The youngest of my 5 is leaving his infants school next week to move up to juniors in September. I've never cried at the leavers assembly as I've always either had another starting or already there but this year could be the year I lose it.
After 11 years my association with the school will come to an end!
It will feel very strange!

[Pandemoniaa]

I actually welcomed the new stages of their lives that my dcs were embracing. Having said that, ds1's primary school Leaver's Assembly had even the hardest hearted of us weeping into our hankies! It makes me emotional just remembering it. And he's 31 now!!

[longjane]

i was delighted when my youngest left primary school hated the place in the end.