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Original poster

40 years of school ends today.

188 replies

RapunzelsSplitEnds · 25/06/2025 11:40

Our first child began school in 1985 and our youngest has his final day at school today.
There are huge age gaps between each of our three dcs and for the first time in forty years, there will be no child to start school after the holidays.
It must sound really silly but I’m finding it difficult to process or finding positive answers.
I have a lot of work planned in order to keep really busy over the next few months and aim to squash the inner voice saying “Is that it?”

Sorry if this isn’t making sense but I feel quite lost right now. I would really appreciate any helpful advice especially how others have coped.

OP posts:
mrsmiggins78 · 25/06/2025 12:25

It's ok, you'll have some grandchildren arriving any minute. Take a 5 minute break!

largeredformeplease · 25/06/2025 12:24

EasternStandard · 25/06/2025 12:09

Help me out, I can’t envisage it what are your dc ages?

Same. I’m guessing she had her first at around age 17 and her last at 43?

something like that?

turkeyboots · 25/06/2025 12:16

Book yourself a term time holiday immediately. The price difference will help you deal with the change.
My pfb has just finished school and it's slightly surprised me how sad I am. Be kind to yourself.

Honon · 25/06/2025 12:16

That's absolutely amazing. Are you doing something to mark it? I feel it deserves a special holiday or at least a family meal?

Cyanometer · 25/06/2025 12:14

Wow, I wouldn't have even thought this was possible 😄 - well done.

I've got 3 years left of a single child, which will be quite enough really.

grizzlyoldbear · 25/06/2025 12:13

Congrats Op, and please take it very easy and be kind to yourself.
It's bound to feel very weird and like a big loss.
x

DappledThings · 25/06/2025 12:12

So you have one DC born in about 1981 and one in about 2007 and one in the middle? That's a huge amount of change you must have seen in the school system.

EasternStandard · 25/06/2025 12:09

Help me out, I can’t envisage it what are your dc ages?

Original poster
RapunzelsSplitEnds · 25/06/2025 12:08

Thank you and what a beautiful picture of the Italian bouquet!

Ive enjoyed most of their school years (they attended different schools) and the years have passed so quickly. I’m not sure if it is the impending change in routine or new role as ‘instructor’ as we teach our youngest skills he will need for his chosen profession.
How do you unwind? I think they call it ‘decompression’ these days?

OP posts:
mumonthehill · 25/06/2025 11:56

20 years here and just finished! Odd to think we will never have to worry about school holidays, back to school uniforms etc ever again! It is a milestone!

Sgtmajormummy · 25/06/2025 11:52

I’ve had 24 years of it, ending today.

Looking forward to getting up later, not stressing over averages, not intervening as private lessons providers (DH covered Maths and Science and I did Humanities) and not hearing complaints that X teacher is horrible/unfair/has it in for them!

DD will be living, hopefully working and studying in this city so it’s not a clean break but I am looking forward to being three fully fledged adults living together.

Photo of traditional bouquet for last day of school in Italy. Roses for her Classic High School.

40 years of school ends today.
SilverBlue56 · 25/06/2025 11:49

I am counting down the days til my son finishes Y13
Enjoy not having to think about school anymore! It's not something I have found enjoyable in the slightest.

PermanentTemporary · 25/06/2025 11:43

That’s quite a milestone! I think you should consider writing a book or at least an article. Congratulations on supporting what must feel like two generations.

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