Back to School! WE're GONna Be LaTe!

"Please put on your shoes."

"Have you got your hat?" 

"GET IN THE CAR"

Sound familiar? haha

The first day of school has a way of unravelling even the calmest households. Big feelings. Small bodies. Tight schedules. And that knot in your stomach that no amount of coffee can fix.

If you’re reading this with a lump in your throat and zero appetite, you’re not alone.

I still remember my worst drop-off. My little one ran to the glass door at day care, sobbing, hands pressed flat against the window as I walked away. I made it to the car. Then I cried too. Hard and called my mum who was 18hrs away by air, getting ready for dinner while I was just starting my day, like this!

Fast forward to today. She’s confident. Well adjusted. Thriving. And baby sitting little ones who are starting school today.
Me? Still mildly traumatised. Ha.

So here are five gentle, practical tips from an experienced mum. For the kids. And for you.

Start the Routine EARLY, as in before school starts back.

Ease into those mornings with early to bed, so they wake up earlier and feel refreshed. Get the uniforms out and having them washed and try them on. Same with shoes, I would suggest even wearing them out in the last week of the holiday to reduce the dreaded blister risk.

It doesn't need to be perfect, just familiar and it builds confidence to have a semblance of routine and calm the nerves.

Talk about it! 

You don't need to over explain every detail. Instead lightly chat about what the day MIGHT look like, who will be there, if they know anybody and when you'll be back. Remember Calm Energy is contagious.

Keep it simple and answer any questions, avoid the dramatic goodbye and don't linger! The teachers want you out of there quick sticks. Meet other mums at a local cafe for a catchup, not at the school gate for 30 minutes after the bell.

CREATE a small comfort ritual

A kiss on the hand. A secret wave. A note in the pocket.

These become emotional anchors, something they can hold onto when feelings get big. They will feel connected to you during the hours you're away.

Trust the TEACHERS

Children are their jobs and what they have trained for years in. Educators see this every year and day-in and day-out. They know the tears pass as soon as the parents are out of sight. They are masters of distraction, soothing and engagement. Think of the best teachers you had, (sure there were some rotten mean ones, but they taught you other skills in coping).

Walking away doesn't mean you don't care or love your child, it simply means you trust the village and this helps your child to build trust too. This is brave parenting.

For context, the photo is my eldest with her kinder teacher getting an award. I can see the pride on her face and I can see the sweetness of her caring teacher as she wraps an arm around her. Heart warming and I am so grateful for these moments.

Be KIND to yourself

The guilt, oh the guilt is real. It can be overwhelming and it can linger the entire day. I have bought so many guilt presents for my kids, I shudder to think. 

Remember parents are human too, we need to work, we need our space, we need to go exercise, we need to socialise and yes this needs to happen without our kids dragging along. 

Both parents and children need independence. You are not doing anything wrong, you are just doing something hard. And often hard things take alot of practice. Thankfully, children are indeed resilient and we are surprised at how strong and adjustable they can be if given the support through uncomfortable moments.

One Last Thing, mum to mum

My daughter doesn't remember crying at the door, she does remember learning to grind coffee in an old fashioned coffee grinder (thank you Montessori) 

The mum who cried in the car? She's still doing her absolute best.

Back to School isn't about learning to read and write, it's so much more. It's about learning to be seperate but together, it's about trusting people come and go, it's about independence for them and for us.

Take a deep breath, just like all the times you had to do something hard. You've got this!

 PS take them for a swim after school and then do a drive thru dinner of nuggies xx