To feel incredibly sad about child starting school?

[plantmum]

I’m really struggling with it! I think because I didn’t enjoy school, struggled to fit in and had some bullying. I feel like I’m sending her to the wolves!

Totally get you. Lots of children have a really good school experience, especially so at primary. Try to be positive and get stuck in. Hopefully you will feel differently come Christmas. Wishing you lots of luck.

I think, with kindness, you might want to get some professional help with this. I'm sorry you had a bad experience but for the majority of children school is an overall positive and it's very important to develop social skills.

Please try not to pass your negativity onto your child.

OP I felt just like this. I don’t think you need professional help, just keep an open mind and be kind to yourself. I hope your little one has a fab time at school.

@Thepeopleversusworkcompletely agree. I’m actually starting some counselling soon recognising there’s a few transitions going on. I know she’ll be sensitive to my vibes

I had an awful time at school - some parts were horrendous and stay with me - but I didn't actually feel too bad about them starting school.
Once at school, they did struggle quite a lot (both have SEN, one significantly so), but once they had the right support in place, they found their feet and have mainly been really happy in and positive about school!
I really do understand your apprehension, though, as our own negative school experiences can fuel anxiety on our child's behalf.
Wishing your little girl all the best in her start.
💚

@MoonlightMedicinethanks, it’s nice to know others have found it tricky!

@plantmum I can relate to this as I feel exactly the same. I look at her innocent little face and just pray she loves school.

Oh OP i think it's totally normal to feel this way ! You don't need help - you need to feel it, deep breath, chin up, and do it. It's a right of passage. All my friends with kids felt like this and DH was in bits when Dd started primary !

youngest DD now about to leave primary and i feel like someone's twisting a knife in me every time they talk about the leavers assembly or count down to the start of school holidays.

Its not because of anything to do with how my school days were - (and i hated school) because i have 3 older ones who are out the other side of the school system now and did well and they loved it ! - it's because it's another step in their growing up and slightly away.

💐
Find yourself some likeminded people to lean on. It will all be fine trust me 😊

I really felt it when my youngest started school - I had been SAHM for a number of years, had 5 kids and three under 4 at one point. Suddenly I was on my own, I really missed him & felt quite bereft! Your little one will be fine and so will you - it's normal to feel anxious. Be kind to yourself 💐