We live very close to a primary school. I rarely pay attention to the school run, as I’m usually busy working whilst it’s happening out there as my kids get themselves to school and back these days. But I had to go out the other day in amongst it all, I actually walked past two primary schools coming out, and all of the chaos that ensues.
Oh, it took me back.
My kids are out of all of this now. The Primary school days are days I look back on with nostalgia.
There were the big things, the Nativity plays, class assemblies, workshops, school residentials, the Sports Days, parents’ evenings and so much more.
Then there were the every day, the morning and afternoon runs that I did many times, the uniforms I washed so many times, the lunches I packed, the teachers and TAs they would love.
Memories hitting my thick and fast.
My daughter running flat out with her friends, giggling as they all raced down the path and I and their mums chatted, following them and trying to keep up as best we could.
My son struggling to let me go each morning in Reception, and then his beaming face when he came out each afternoon.
My daughter, always so full of energy and curiosity, telling me about every aspect of her day, what everyone said, what she’d learned.
My son, always so calm and content, telling me absolutely nothing. I relied (and still do!) on his best friend to fill me in.
Their teachers always so positive about them both, their kindness, their attentiveness, their hard work and their achievements.
Their final end of school assemblies, complete with then and now photos and music designed to pull at the heart strings.
Honestly, it feels like ages ago, another lifetime. Which is weird, because my son was right there this time last year. I look at him now and he looks so much older than a primary school child, when did that even happen?! I see him every day, but it’s crept up on me.
I had dreaded my daughter starting school. Cried about it in the run-up, and I’m not much of a crier, so this one hit hard.
If you’ve a child about to embark on this journey, let me reassure you that it will all be OK. Yes, they’re getting bigger, going off somewhere without you every day, with so many influences outside of your control. I get that. But wow will they flourish and grow and show you so many more parts of them. And honestly, those school holidays roll around faster than you think!
The time does fly by. I did those school runs for a decade and now it feels like I blinked and it all happened.
My girl’s coming to the end of Year 10 now, at a school that she’s happy at and it feels like she’s been there forever. My son’s finishing up his first year at his secondary school, a place that he’s felt comfortable at since his transition day about this time last year.
The time goes by so quickly. Those days are behind us now. But…
My oldest niece starts primary school this September. So I guess I’m about to see it all roll round again. Bring on the Primary school days and get me my seat booked for that Nativity and Sports Day!
Hi Jocelyn,
Such a lovely walk down memory lane as I remember all of that and more with my daughters. They are all responsible young women in their own right now and have their own lives. We always worry about the future of our children but things always work out. Two of my daughters ( out of three) did not like school and struggled even though I helped them as much as I could. I always worried how things would work out but it turns out that one is now a Head Chef and the other has a responsible corporate job. So there you go, they are always looked after by a higher power for sure ( and I believe in Guardian Angels).
I’m so very pleased that you and yours are all well.
Regards, Carol
Lovely to hear from you, Carolyn. I’m glad this took you on a happy walk down memory lane, they just grow so quickly! It’s great to hear your daughters are all doing so well, and thanks for the good wishes x