Something tells me that, in fairy tale fantasy, I will very much miss the company of my best mate, my almost constant sidekick of the last five years. Something else, something far more cynical, reminds me that I will most probably breath a sigh of relief that tending to his unspendable energy and rampant curiosity is now his teacher’s mission for six hours a day, five days a week. Which might let me off the hook just a little bit.
The Chop is a typical almost–five–year–old boy. He has questions for everything, and answers for most others. Games aren’t fun unless someone’s winning or dying. Sisters– younger sisters– are for tormenting, and they have a scream button that is fun to push when you’re bored. And, as an almost–five–year–old boy, you get bored on a very regular basis. In fact, the excitement of knowing that leaving the house is imminent is enough to make you instantly revert to the fore-mentioned tormenting of your younger sister.
The child is ready for school.
The point where romanticism and cynicism meet– the small, clear pool known as realism– tells me that the regret and sadness I’m inevitably going to feel at some point in my son’s first year at school will revolve more around the end of the ’being at home with two little kids’ stage than missing my son at home every day. In the same way, it’s a relief– it’s the beginning of that ’one at home, one at school’ place in my life. A place where I won’t miss my husband quite so much, perhaps, because I never really visualized this life clearly with him in it.
Either way, I’m looking sunny side up at this one. One at school. The tea–party–princess at home with me.
How exactly the Bump will cope without the constant company of her big brother, who’s she so close to simply because her mother has spent so long being emotionally unavailable… well. That’s another matter altogether.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I'm in a situation where one child goes to school and the other stays with me at home. Personally, I'd rather have them both at home so they can play together.
Mine started this year and let me tell you, term 4 last year was HELL. He was so ready to be there and when the term ends he can't wait for school holidays to end so he can get back there.
Our school handle the start day really well. They stagger the start times on the first day so only 1 child arrives at a time and is assimilated into an activity before the next arrives. Not one tear was shed, well maybe some parents as they walked away but man it was so peaceful.
My 3 year old has 2 more years at home with me and he already asks me every morning if it is a preschool day! By that last year before school I suspect I will need him in 5 days a week preschool/daycare for both our sanity!!
I love that my older son loves school but man the pickup is a killer. It interrupts my day and usually I have to wake the 3 year old to do it. Grrr.
It's an emotional ride when they go to school. You don't know if you should be happy or sad about it. I was a little sad when my first went to school. No tears from me or her. But then once I dropped the second one off at her first day at school I could have danced in front of the whole school.
My baby girl is in school this year, and she was way past ready to go. Her two big brothers are happy to go to school each day, and I, who once thought I would be the mopey, crying mom missing her children, is ecstatic at the happiness on their faces for their daily adventures, and blissful at the quiet in the home each day. The dog, however, misses the children terribly and waits at the window all afternoon for them to come home.
As for your time with your Bump, this will be a great time for you both. A new relationship, as it were, without others around. You will both love what grows from lots of time alone together. (At least, that's what happened here with The Girl and I, after the boys were all in school.)
Joy
Greenie still struggles some days with Bluey going to school. He cried and begged and pleaded for Bluey to not go to school yesterday. Bluey told him very calmly "I have to go. I will be back this afternoon and we can play then." Then he gave him a hug and a kiss on the top of his head. It's cute, and it is an adjustment, but it's also so so wonderful to have your youngest and just you chillin' like a villin and seeing them grow so much without the older one there to do everything for them. It's also beautiful to see your older child grow and learn things without you having taught them. Ok that last part is a little annoying sometimes, especially when they're learning those things from their classmates and they're….not so nice things. Lol.
Chop will love school, and Bump will love the extra attention from you.
My eldest starts school next year as well. He had his first school transition visit yesterday and if he had his way he would still be wearing the brand spanking new uniform I bought for him. He is so excited and I am excited for him, and proud, and sad for the end of an era. I'll still have two home with me, including his eternally-tormented 3yo brother. I guess now it is the 3yo's turn to call the shots and torment his almost-1yo brother… Enjoy Chop's new adventures and enjoy your precious time with Princess D xx