An ode to school mum/dad friends

claire davies - 5 Sep 16

I used to wonder what became of some of my friends when their children started school. They were always talking about their School Mum Friends and I was surprised at the intensity of these fledging friendships. Now I have my own small human who is about to go into year three, I totally get it. I know it sounds corny nowadays to say you feel blessed but what the heck, it’s true I truly do feel blessed and I’m not alone. I was chatting to a work friend (not all my friends are categorised, just some it seems) who was telling me her School Mum Friends set up a spreadsheet to help her with school runs. That is a) totally amazing and b) impressively organised.

The friendships I have formed in the last few years have been incredible. This gorgeous bunch of both mothers and fathers have shown me enormous empathy in some very tough times. They have supported me and my son through big changes in our lives. They have shown me I’m not alone in not having a clue what I’m doing. Reassured me that I am not the only parent having a fierce row over homework most Sunday evenings. That my child is not unique in not wanting to go to EVER go to sleep unless I lay down with him for so long that I end up falling asleep myself (yes I still do this) and that seemingly innocent peas are universally hated by many under 7’s for some bizarre reason.

These new school buddies have cooked for us. Reminded us of projects due. Included us in their family time. Checked we have remembered the many dressing up days at school and just been all round good eggs.  I still love all my other wonderful friends of course – I truly am lucky to have some top friends but that is for another blog.

I think I’m surprised as I just didn’t expect to get to my mid 40’s and find such fabulous new buddies back at the school gate. It’s like the circle of life! Maybe it works as we are all on an even playing field (sorry about the school pun) and at the school playground we are all just parents dropping off and picking up. No one knows what car you drive, how big your house is, how well educated you may be or what you do to make a living. I am a single mum but no one knew that at first as it’s not ‘Who I Am’. We started that first school year with a metaphorical fresh page just like our children. So, I thank you School Mum/Dad Friends – you really help to make life A+.

claire davies

Mother to Cooper. Lover of travelling. Optimist. Organiser.

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