Preparing Yourself for Your Child to go to School

Preparing yourself for your child to go to school is one of the many moments in life that you have to deal with. Having to say goodbye to Mummy and walking into the classroom alone for the first time can be a terrifying experience for a child. However, imagine what this gut wrenching scene does to Mum! Sooner or later you are going to have to experience sending your child to school, whether they attend day care, preschool, kindy or prep. And, for most parents, this can be a hard transition, especially when you are used to having your child by your side day in and day out. So, in addition to preparing your little one for the next big step to school, you should also be mentally preparing yourself. Here’s how:

Prepare for Tears

If you are an emotional person then saying goodbye to your little one for the first time can be one of the hardest things you have to do. Sure, you can do it, but can you do it without choking up and turning into a bubbling mess? For many mums, the answer is no. If even the thought of sending your little guy or baby girl to school gets you teary, then prepare for a sad goodbye. Wear sunglasses to hide the tears and have some tissues in the car. Try to make it to the car without getting too emotional; you don’t want your little one to see you upset. Breaking out the waterworks when kissing them goodbye will probably make them even more nervous. So prepare for a quick goodbye and run to the car to cry away the experience.

Set Projects

When you are used to entertaining your little one all day, it can get quite lonely not having them around. However, instead of focusing on how quiet the house is, set small goals and projects to complete on the days that they are not around. Write a list of things that need to be done, such as cleaning the kitchen, organizing the closet, selling the old toys on eBay, going to the gym or even looking for work. Having your own projects to do will keep you busy and less worried about how your child is going. Have a checklist to finish each day to keep you motivated.

Get Support

Don’t be ashamed to call your friends or husband in tears after dropping your little one off. It’s okay to feel sad, to cry and to need to talk about it. So let it out. Have a good cry then pick yourself up and move on.

Set One on One Time Later On

If you are picking your child up from school at 4:00, start making a habit out of having one on one time with them when they get home and before it’s time to cook dinner. Perhaps visit their favourite park for fifteen minutes of playing or set up an after school snack outside for a picnic. Talk about your day and their day together. You will soon start to appreciate this time together and love hearing about your child’s stories during this time away.

Focus on the Future

One of the main reasons why sending your baby to school is so traumatising for mums is because it means you need to accept that your baby is growing up and is no longer as dependent on you as they once were. However, rather than thinking about how you will miss the newborn smell, the first steps and the late night snuggles, think about the great things that are still ahead. Your child’s personality will start to develop more and more and you are in for several more years of cherished memories ahead.