pfb -in fact only child - off to secondary on Thursday...

I hope he has a bit more than garlic bread today, MAS I think Wendy's right - it is harder for us than it is for them.

Can you get a copy of the menu, btw? They had a drop-in coffee morning at ds1's school for new (gibbering) parents yesterday (I can't fault them on making the transition smooth, btw - they have really made an effort to get parents involved and make it easier for the new students - they even had an open morning in the holidays where you could go in with your child and try out different 'lessons') and I picked up a copy of the menu. If you could get one you could have a look at it with your ds in advance and he could get an idea of what he might like to eat the next day?

Thanks Orm and MAS It's nice to know we're all feeling a bit emotional.

Ahh soren I know, I know. I finmally threw away at Thomas the Tank back pack that all 3 had used at school - DS#1 had it when he went to nursery back in 2001. Had a good howl over that . Primary is different somehow. You feel that you still have quite a bit of control and influence over their education. And you can also pretend they are still 'yours'. I still have 2 there so easier for me I guess. But my DS was so miserable and bored at primary for the last year or so, so this change in him is very welcome.

Well, I thought I was...but I just went downstairs to have some lunch (I work from home) and it was so quiet and I suddenly felt really sad and lonely and had a little cry. Which is pathetic really as I have had both kids in school for a long time and am used to spending the day on my own. Ho hum.

So we're all coping then? Just about

DS#1 got up on time with no argument. Cleaned his teeth and brushed his hair without nagging. Left the house on time. With enthusiasm. Very very odd! But fantastic too. He's a changed boy. Long may it last.

"I did, from time to time, wonder why there was sometimes a greenhouse in the quad and sometimes not" - oh, moo!!!!!

No wonder fantasy & magic works so well with children - they can believe anything

I'm glad he was OK, Orm. And your dd too, Wendy.

Ds1 had butterflies again this morning - this is their first fully timetabled day and he's worried about getting lost. I told him I used to get lost a lot when I started secondary school - mainly because I didn't realise the school was built round two quads, not one, for about the first half term. I did, from time to time, wonder why there was sometimes a greenhouse in the quad and sometimes not...I suspect he's not as geographically hopeless as I was and his school is a lot more user-friendly so I think he'll be OK. I'm glad it's Friday though.

Yes. All went well. He couldn't wait to get back. Mind you it took a while to get him to say anything at all. Left at the crack of dawn this morning (well for him it was) to make sure he got to his friends house so they could walk together. So releived.

I did a bit, moo But she is lucky to be in an excellent school, & has lots of support from her head of dept.

She came here for tea & told us all about it & finally went home at 9 with a couple of hours of prep & seating plans to do before she goes to bed - she is really going to appreciate her weekends now!

Did you fret all day and watch the clock too, Wendy ?

I forgot to mention before that DD1 had her first day at secondary school today as well, as an English teacher - she had inset days on Tue & Wed and today was the Real Thing.

She has a Y8 form but said she would have loved to have a Y7 one, as she has been given the letters that all her Y8s wrote in Y6 before they started at this school - they are all so sweet & innocent - Y8s are still quite sweet & innocent, but not the same!

Glad all your starters have enjoyed their first day/s & Orm, I hope your boy managed to turn his interesting haircut into an icebreaker

makes note to open the prom fund account

DD finally got to do a real experiment in science today -she was absolutely thrilled to use a bunsen burner! Prior to the experiement they had the Health and safety talk. When asked "why do you need to wear goggles" Dd put up her hand and said "so we don't make more work for my Mum" - I work in an eye clinic

next thing to worry about - which I am sure will come round in no time (DS1 already talked about it ) what kind of transport is to be booked for their leaving prom - we had stretch hummers here in our street in July!

Better get saving now girls as they cost a fortune!

Ds1 back home safe and happy - he had a good day. He has his timetable - it's a two week one so will take some getting used to - but today they spent most of the day in their form group and just had two lessons (history and drama - he has history homework, but only a bit and not in til Monday). He had a jacket potato and beans for his lunch.

I did feel a pang as I saw him off this morning - he's quite tall but managed to look small and new in his pristine uniform (that won't last long...)

Orm - don't be so hard on yourself - one day he will look back and laugh about it - I hope his day went well despite the haircut.

And MAS - he'll get the hang of it in no time, I'm sure (I forgot to ask ds1 if he went to the loo - I thought after he'd gone this morning "oh...they won't tell them to go to the toilet like they do at primary...I should have reminded him" and then I thought...time to let him find his own feet a bit )

mmmm lattes are my favourite! (skinny ones of course )

MAS I'm sure he'll soon make friends. DD is quite shy and already shes mentioning different names in the after schools chats we've had.

MAS I hope you enjoyed your coffee outing this morning

DS1 has come home tired and tetchy (with yet more homework - got some yesterday too!). He has asked for a headache tablet. I think he has enjoyed today but the tiredness was bound to happen - god knows what he will be like tomorrow evening .

Well, at least your DS ate something - even if only garlic bread. As for going to the loo has he not drunk anything today?

I think he is being a bit hard on himself re the friends, come middle of next week it will be a different story.