First school trip..am I overthinking this?

[Ajt34]

Please no negative comments as my mother has already told me I'm stupid.
My little girl is 4 and has just started reception and today we have had a letter to advise us of her first school trip to the zoo. I am instantly filled with dread and worry for some reason and I cant bare some of the thoughts I'm having - what if she gets lost? What if something happens on the way? What if she becomes scared and wants mummy and daddy and we cant get there? My mind is running wild. Please someone tell me I'm not losing my mind and this is normal? The thought of not being able to get to her is driving me insane. I want her to have the best of everything of course, and not miss out. I guess I'm scared. Can anyone relate? Thanks in advance 🥺

I’m like this on every school trip and my daughter is 11. I remember the first one to the panto and she was the last one off the coach at pick up. I was beside myself. Welcome to parenting with anxiety

Ignore the vipers op. Completely understandable. Especially when they’re tiny. Could you go as a helper? The coach journey may be painful to your ears but will help you to stop worrying. also you will see how organised the teachers are going forwards. Fancy loving your kid so much you worry about them. How very dare you 😉💕 sending friendly vibes xx

Considering the cost of the zoo these days I’m surprised any school does trips there any more…

Ok! Bit of a 'not too happy about that comment' reply!
It feels like you only want replies telling you that your feelings are perfectly normal. Well the majority of people here are saying the opposite. As I mentioned before, of course it's normal to feel a certain level of anxiety. But being instantly filled with dread and worry, being driven insane by the thoughts of not being able to get to her?? Those feelings are not normal. And if you actually don't want to hear posters saying that, then don't ask us to give our opinions! And I do believe that people with your levels of anxiety often project their anxiety onto their children as I have seen it happen in countless cases in my job so it's not like it was an odd thing to mention. Especially seeing as you seem to think this is normal.

Your original question is are you over thinking it and the answer IMO is yes. When your child goes to school or the zoo or anywhere else you are no longer in control. I think this is the issue. You are struggling with the fact you can't control anything and if something was to go wrong you wont be there. I think you need to really work on this and try to trust others more. Remember she is not more likely to come to harm there than the local shop or the playground.

I don't think you should go as a helper even if it was an option because it will impact on her day. Most parents who worry like that are always instructing children, don't touch that, careful on the slide, stay close etc. It's micro managing a kids behaviour and it's not just irritating for the kids but it hampers their development too, a child needs to learn to assess risk and be themselves in their peer group with all that involves.

She'll have a wonderful time! but don't let on how anxious you are.

She'll be in a small group, probably with a high vis on - zoos are contained and her adult will be continually checking they've got everyone.

You could go as a parent helper but I think for both of you, it'd be much better if you didn't.

Ps I cried while my 10 year old was on a residential week away - not the whole week but still I get what you're feeling.

He had the best time!