To feel this way about my DS starting school

[jaychops]

I know IABU.

My second and youngest child is starting school this September and I'm struggling to manage my feelings about it. He's ready for it and I'm excited for him, but the thought of him not being with me on my day off is making me feel so upset at the minute. I didn't feel so bad about my eldest starting school but I think it's due to a number of reasons - he's my last child, this phase of my life is now over, and I genuinely will miss him.

Please talk me round and tell me about all the reasons I will appreciate having that day to myself! I feel like I've lost my identity.

I feel exactly the same. Its so hard knowing that stage of my life is over and now I will have 2 kids in school and no more babies at home.
He seems still too little and needs me still
I can't describe this weird, sad feeling xx

Offer to listen to his class read on your day off. Only thing that got me through it.

Yeah I know the feeling. For me it’s like a version of nostalgia, but in the present. Melancholia maybe. Starting school is a non-postponable marker that time is passing, in fact, hurtling onwards.

Oh bless you, I felt the same when my youngest started. Then covid hit and they were all back at home again! It really is the end of an era.

Oh, I felt the same, OP. It’s a distant memory now though. Life moves on and it’s just as lovely, I promise.

You’re allowed to feel your feelings.

They get half terms, Easter break, Christmas break, Summer holidays. It feels like there's a half term every few weeks! Lots of time to plan lovely family things in with them. And at 3pm there's still time to go to a park after school.

I do know how you feel though. Mine is just finishing year one (only child) and I'm really looking forward to the summer.

Thankyou for all the lovely replies, it really helps to validate my feelings!

@Namechangenoo I am so grateful for the holidays and spending time with both my children. I'm just going to miss my days with just DS, exactly as I missed my days with just DD when DS arrived. I'll just have to make an effort to get one on one time with both of them.

@Ducksurprise I love this idea!