Really struggling with the thought of DS starting school

[LifesTooShortYOLO]

My DS starts school in September and as the weeks count down I'm feeling more and more sad and emotional about the thought of not having my little side kick by my side 24/7 😭
I know it's the same for everyone but I'm just struggling with the thought of not being able to hop in the car each day and go somewhere together, I have been a stay at home mum so we spend a lot of time together and also with my mum and my partners mum.
I feel like I am not going to know what to do with myself.
Any advice on how to deal with how I'm feeling?
I've written a list of nice fun things to do in the summer holidays and we are ticking some things off the list.

Focus on the positives he will get out of school. DD1 has just finished reception and she loves school and all her friends. And remember he gets 13 weeks holiday a year.

Ah OP, this is why I have four children, I bloody love the early years.

You will also love the adventure that is school I’m sure, they change and grow and amaze you with the things they learn. Not so much the reading but the way they play changes, it’s brilliant, so much more depth.

If you can get loads of photos this summer. Something weird happens when they start spending time away from you at school and by next July they look so much older and wiser.

Big deep breath and embrace it, it’s the only way.

All milestones are bitter sweet. Own bedroom, starting school, big school, university , all exciting and new for them andvery differentphases for me.
When DS1 started school it was a chance to spend one to one time with DS2.
Ages 5 to10 were absolutely brilliant.

Totally emphasise with this. Remember school ends at 3pm ish so there's time to do something fun before bedtime.

What are you reasons for choosing to send you ds to school?

*your

Ah I understand OP, my eldest starts reception class in September. I'm actually really excited for her though, she can't wait to get started and go off to 'big kids' school and I just know she's going to love it.

I do have a young toddler as well and another baby due end of next month, so I'll still be doing the playgroups/parks/grandparents visits for a while - I am sad at the thought that DD1 will be missing from it though!!
She's been my little pal from the moment she was born and it's going to feel so strange doing all these things without her.

Because it’s the law @MyDcAreMarvel ?! Unless you home school which most people don’t do..

Do you have other kids OP? Or if not, any plans to return to work to do something for you now you have the free time? My DD starts school this time & while I’m emotional about the next step in life, she is 100% ready for that longer week. She goes to nursery 3 days a week & LOVES it. She asks to go every day. Being with her friends is very important to her, she’s super sociable & it’s a big part of her life. She’s very excited to be with them for 5 days instead of just 3 🙈😂 School isn't a bad thing for most children.. it’s actually a real positive!

But I do think if you don’t have other kids, you need to focus on you. I personally couldn’t not work. I enjoy work (mostly). I enjoy achieving something for me. I enjoy my own salary & I enjoy having a small part of life that isn’t all about children. & I need the routine. I go in, I problem solve, I laugh & chat to colleagues, eat a peaceful lunch. I come refreshed to give my kids a big hug & back to mum mode!

I wish I was more like you. My poor little chaps been full time in nursery since he was a couple of years old. I don’t really enjoy the young years much and preferred to work ( didn’t have to) . That’s aside , you’ve clearly been a fun and amazing mummy till now and that won’t change. He’ll love telling you all about his friends and what he’s been up to and showing you stuff he’s made . He’ll be wanting friends over for tea and you’ll enjoy watching and listening to them have adventures and dream up whacky games. You’re not losing anything, it’s just changing. What are your plans for filling the day? Work?, OU degree? Sports and hobbies? It’ll feel odd at first but you’ll enjoy being you a bit more. I’m a good and loving mum but I take my hat off to parents that manage 24/7 for any length of time I really couldn’t . It’s exciting and anxious that this is now such a huge change compared to those of us that nurseried early. You’ll both be fine. New beginnings :)

@Bobholll the default is home education, parents are responsible for the education of their children. Most choose to send them to school, which is why I asked why the op chose school for her child. As you stated it’s not “the law” to send your child to school so unsure what your point is exactly?

Its not the end, its just the beginning of the next adventure.
They are at school for 6.5hrs a day, 195 days a year. There is still plenty of time for family adventures, and its awesome seeing them learn different things and grow into brilliant young people.

I'll be honest.. I missed mine a bit when they went back to school after both lockdowns. But other stuff compensates for it.

You won’t feel like this when they are settled.

It’s amazing. They come home and tell you what they’ve learnt. What their teachers have told them. What their friends are like. What story was read to them. They’ll show you art work they’ve done. I love reception age! You get all the good bits of having a young child but with a lovely break for yourself as well.

It’s great to see them have experiences away from home and watch them learn and form their own opinions.

It’s the best age!

I feel bad I couldn’t wait for mine to start!!

Tell yourself this is about you not them. They’ll be ready for an adventure and you need to find something to occupy yourself that isn’t just being a mum.

In the same boat OP. I have an older one, so know how much they do change. I’m dreading it, it’s like the end of an era. I’m also looking forward to seeing them turn into a ‘proper’ person, if you see what I mean

@Doidontimmm

I feel bad I couldn’t wait for mine to start!!

Same. DD was so ready for school, and I was ready for her to go.

I feel like I am not going to know what to do with myself.

Get a job?
Volunteer in a charity shop/other volunteering?

I feel the same, but she’s my youngest so I feel sad for the reason, I won’t be home schooling though as I’m not cut out for it, but yes I do feel sad about it so not just you

Bit late to the party here but feeling exactly the same DD1 starting school the end of next week and I can't stop bloody crying. I'm going to miss her so much.

I'm thinking of that bloody awful saying that I usually hate and it's making me ball 'the days are long but the years are short'.

If it helps I just calculated how many days off a year she will have (holidays and weekends) and it's 169 which is about 45% of the year you'll get full days with your DC. This has given me a bit of comfort.

Hope you're doing ok!