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Original poster

Dreading my DS starting school - and I've got 18 months to go!

16 replies

vroomvroomwheelie · 18/01/2022 08:54

He's just turning 3 and I've realised it's only 18 months before he starts school and I loose my little sidekick. I'm dreading it!! 😭

This year I intend to do as many things as we ca like trips away and days out, but is there anything else anyone can suggest doing that would be lovely in these final 18 months of having a pre schooler? I don't want to forget anything and look back feeling we missed out.

OP posts:
DropYourSword · 18/01/2022 08:57

Don't put so much pressure on yourself!
It's 18 months away, that's a long time.
And weekends still exist!

Branleuse · 18/01/2022 09:01

You could always consider home education if you feel its too early for school. Doesnt need to be forever. Depending where you live, there are loads of home ed activities and a big community round here. I know plenty of kids that have never been to school.
If youre an active and engaged parent it can be a great experience

TeenPlusCat · 18/01/2022 09:01

You have 50% of his existing life again before he starts school.
That's ages and ages.

You don't have to do big expensive things, little things like feeding the ducks, membership with a local petting farm etc.

And when he starts school you will still have weekends, half terms, and school holidays.

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Families
Seeline · 18/01/2022 09:03

Firstly don't let your DS be aware of your dread! Starting school should be exciting for him, marking the next stage of his life - not something to dread!

Are you a SAHM? I was, and some if our best memories are just things from ordinary everyday life - baking, painting in the garden, jumping in puddles, making a snowman etc

You will be amazed how much your DS will grow up over the next 18 months - you will probably be quite relieved to hand him over to a teacher for a few hours a day when the time comes 😁

Buzlightyear1 · 18/01/2022 09:04

Honestly I know how you feel inwas the same, my son started this year. Last year we went on camping trips , days out that he would like . We went on the hover craft tk the isle of Wight and places like we r tje curious i think that's what it's called. Now he's at school we do have Saturday as fun going out and Sunday as quiter rest as hes so tierd. Then we have half term where we fit in as much fun as we can.

toomuchlaundry · 18/01/2022 09:05

Do you work, does he go to pre-school?

PinkyU · 18/01/2022 09:06

I’m going to echo what @Branleuse has said, if you feel there are things that you want him to experience that you feel would benefit him more, then investigate home education, see how it works for you both then decide.

Thesearmsofmine · 18/01/2022 09:11

Another one who is going to suggest looking into home education. It doesn’t have to be a forever choice, school will always be there. We started out saying we would take it a year at a time and now we are 8 years into it…

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 18/01/2022 09:16

Remember, its about him, not you. (Not dismissing HE here, its right for some families, not right for ithers). We need to let them have the next adventure.

Enjoy the freedom of term time holidays. Be spontaneous. You don't need a grand plan, just enjoy yourselves.

You don't lose them when they start school. You still have them the majority of the time.

Whinge · 18/01/2022 09:17

I can see why people are suggesting homeschooling, but I don't think it's a good idea to homeschool just because you're dreading school and don't want to lose your little sidekick.

OP it's lovely that you have such a wonderful bond with your child but 18 months is a long time, and if you choose to send him to school there's still plenty of time to have new experiences and travel. School is such a small part of the day, and there are holidays, weekends as well.

calliecapers · 18/01/2022 09:19

Perhaps you should live more in the present instead of worrying about the future. He will
Change so much in the next 18 months. Stop stressing about normal life.

You cant stop time. Children age, their needs change. You have to enjoy your time and help prepare him for school in the best way you can.

toomuchlaundry · 18/01/2022 09:20

I remember a friend of mine dreading her little one going to school, thought they went to school too early in this country, didn’t like the idea of them going to school etc.However, she would express these thoughts in front of her DC, who unsurprisingly also dreaded the idea of going to school and really struggled in the first few years there.

Wolfiefan · 18/01/2022 09:24

You’ve got so very much to look forward to once he starts school. It’s amazing hearing what they’ve been up to and watching them grow and have new experiences.

Original poster
vroomvroomwheelie · 18/01/2022 09:29

Absolutely I would never let him know I'm dreading it. I only ever speak about school or preschool with excitement etc. I know it's about what he needs and wants.
I don't think home schooling is for us if I'm honest as I think he benefits from other children his own age, plus I doubt we'd get anything done if I tried to do it at home! 🙈

OP posts:
Anoisagusaris · 18/01/2022 09:31

Go on loads of holidays/trips during term time while you can enjoy the bargains.

RedToothBrush · 18/01/2022 15:39

I felt like this. Honestly it was fine. By the time he was due to go to school he was ready and that made me ready.

I had dreaded it. He loved it and that carried me through.

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