To ask what the good bits are of children starting school?

[Buddahbelly]

Ds starts next week, he only turned 4 in June and just seems so little, even though I know and his nursery have told me he is more than ready for the challenges of reception.

I swore i'd never be one of those mothers who still baby-ed their big boys and yet here I am having a slight wobble that a part of him is changing and I'll never have a little tiny boy again .

I know I'll be fine, I know he'll be fine, and I know in a few weeks time I'll wonder what on earth I was doing sitting crying for his baby days to be back (that at the time I longingly wished would just hurry up and end!) God it's gone so quick!

So remind me again what have I got to look forward to this year?

Main thing was easier to work (I always worked full time so full time childcare for us both was expensive - once they were at school that reduced in cost).

I know, the snack money is £2.50 to pay for fruit each week 30 x £2.50 =£75.00 as if. I'd rather just send him with a banana myself, they have said it's a voluntary contribution but somehow the 2 emails reminding me of it don't shout voluntary contribution.

I am actually looking forward to painting the entire house and having the time to do each room, rather than rushing everything cos the baby was on the way - 4 years ago

And the fact the childcare costs will more than half our outgoings may mean we are able to have our first family holiday next year, so suppose Ill have that to look forward to and remind myself of it when i'm having a wobbly day, thanks for all the reminders!

The fact they're at school and not at home?!!
(Counting down til school reopens here!)

That lovely feeling on a Friday afternoon when you know they will be happy to see you at 3pm and you have them to yourself all weekend.

I don't have to paint or do messy crap, he does enough of that at school.

I can sit with him and he'll show me how he writes his name.

He come out of class at 4.30, plays with his friends in the playground until 5/5.15, then we catch the bus home he just plays quietly with his Lego and favourite bear because he is so tired.

He started school at 2.9yo (I'm in Spain, children start in September of the calendar year they turn 3. DS is the youngest in his class. However, legally he doesn't need to go until next year when he'll be 5.9yo). Free childcare and they never ever beg for money or have dress up days where you handover a pound etc. Flipping brilliant.