DC are 7 and 9. I’ve posted about their difficulties going into school before. I feel like we’re ok with that now, insofar as they’ve come to an acceptance that they have to be left at school and although they find it difficult there’s no point in crying or running after me. Sometimes they still do but there are staff on hand to hold them back while I quickly get away. I’m not going to lie, it’s horrible. I hate it. I’m assured they’re fine once I’m gone and they’re both doing well at school and come out happy at the end of the day.
Now though it’s starting to concern me that they won’t go to parties, play dates, after school clubs etc unless I can be there too, which isn’t always possible. I’ve just had to turn down another party invite because DC say they won’t go unless I can stay and I just don’t want to look like I’m overprotective, which I’m not. I’d love nothing more than for them be confident enough to go out there and enjoy the world without me constantly at their side.
I feel very alone in this but I’m wondering if there are any others out there who have/had similar DC and how you navigate it. It’s one thing leaving them crying at school, where they have to go, but I just can’t do it for the sake of a party/playdate/club where there’s a choice. But I feel like I’m denying them these experiences.