Reception mums, second time around...sorry, but I just can't be bothered to do it all again!!

[Legacy]

OK, I know that sounds terrible, but it's a bit like seeing a thread on MN asking 'where can i get baby pasta?' isn't it??

I mean all that being earnest at the classroom door; getting rattled about the reading scheme; the massive flurry of playdates and party invitations to make sure your child makes new friends etc etc

I did it first time round with DS1, but 3 years later with DS2 I just can't seem to get motivated by all of it .

Will he be irreversibly scarred and universally the most unpopular child?

Second children usually get a raw deal on things like this don't they?

Don't they?????

I didn't do it first time or second time around so I wouldn't worry about it!

They get a raw deal in everything. We didn't do anything special for either of ds2's two birthdays whereas ds1 has had parties on each of his four birthdays. It's just not right .

but then again the second child has the massive advantage of an older sibling for company so that makes up for it.

I think they do in some ways but in others they win out. DD has a vast array of DS's old toys to play with plus all the dolls, ponies, happyland and paraphenalia she has managed to acquire herself.

And parental angst and expectations not always a positive thing for the child.

oh yes older sibling to play with is a massive bonus really.

what about the poor middle child, they get left out as the eldest gets everything and the youngest gets spoilt
(yes, I am a middle child!)

There's evidence that the sort of benign neglect which you are describing is actually very good for children. They learn to be independent and to work things out for themselves.

Well done.

Now go and put your feet up. You've earned it.

Excellent Spidermama! Just what I wanted to hear!

DS2's starting Reception last year was actually good for both me and DS1 - it took the white heat of my parental anxiety off the poor child. I've never been hugely anxious about DS2 because he is so different from DS1.

Goodness. I've never done it and the kids've never suffered. Benign neglect all the way.

Just enjoy it. It's lovely second time around not worrying that they haven't moved on to the next colour for reading etc. Second time around you know that it is not necessary to have play dates every week. It's called hindsight