Today I dropped my daughter off at nursery for the very last time. It’s a journey I have moaned about for the past 18 months. Having to drop A off at nursery and the boys off elsewhere for school means our mornings are always chaotic. Yet today I realise I’m going to miss it.
As I pulled into the car park it suddenly hit me that I wouldn’t be doing this again. When my other children left nursery I knew that it wouldn’t be long until we were returning with their sibling. But this time I’m all too aware it’s the last time I’ll ever make that journey.
Today was the last time we will walk in together hand in hand as she greets everyone she walks past. Today is the last time we will put her backpack in her little box. Today is the last time she’ll see some of the friends she’s made over the last 18 months and the support workers who have had such an important role in her life.
She’s flourished during her time there. She’s grown from the timid little girl who used to hide in the cupboard to the confident, chatty, force of nature she has now become.
I know we’ll be able to experience it all again when she starts school but with her being my last baby, today feels particularly poignant. My eldest will be going into Year 6 in September with his brother two years behind him in Year 4. And now A will be joining them in reception.
The years seem to have flown by in a blink of an eye. My babies aren’t babies any more. They’re strong willed, confident children that make me proud every day. But every new milestone and new beginning also marks the end of the phase before. The end of being fully needed.
And I’m not sure I’m ready.
You’re NEVER ready for it. I wasn’t ready when the kids went to kindergarten or graduated to middle school or started wanting to hand out with their friends more than me. Letting go is hard.
This is me! I didn’t expect the sadness because I like the freedom that we have with older kids. We can travel, etc. But my son just finished preschool and I’m so sad. Its like we’ve moved in to a new phase of parenting with no more cute and cuddly toddlers! I guess it’s just another part of being a parent.
They grow so fast, it is a bitter sweet moment for sure, but when she comes home with all the school project and stories you are going to love it
I remember those days! It goes by so quickly..such a bitter sweet moment but enjoy every second of it!
Aww I can only imagine how this feels. My little brother was so around that age when I left for college and overseas for a few years and now he’s almost a teenager. So crazy.
I am not a mother yet but that’s what I have observed from my nieces and nephews. They grow so fast….as in really fast.
This is such a sweet and a heartfelt article to read. I remember those days when my daughter went to kindergarten I feel so sad and even cried but I can tell that every moment from that time are all worth it and precious to me.
Oh mama I completely know what you mean.. I went through that last year when my youngest finished pre school. Xxxx
My little girl will now going to school and I just really can’t believe it. Like your daughter, mine is so excited as well. Best good luck to both of them. I
She is so adorable! I don’t think any of us are ready when our little ones start to go to new stages! *hugs*
Aww it really is hard and exciting at the same time to watch them grow and go from nursery to school – I hope the move is really smooth for her
Laura x
What a lovely poem! I will still moan about my route for another year.