The emotional journey when your youngest child starts school

Corporate to Kids - 9 Sep 19

My youngest has just started school. It’s such a bittersweet time. He is ready for school, and I am ready to crack on with my business full-time. However, I can’t deny or ignore the slightly sad feeling wedged in the pit of my stomach. It’s a simple emotion: I will miss him. The youngest is flying the nest, and there is an emotional attachment to him that I need to manage. Which is weird because I didn’t see it coming. So, how do we adapt when the youngest child starts school?

Youngest child starts school = tears

I cried when my eldest started school and today was no different. It was raining so I couldn’t wear sunglasses. But I sobbed as he stood at the door in his school uniform. His shorts too long and his face still babyish to me. He is nearly five and ready for school, he looked so small. Clichéd I know, but it did only feel like yesterday that we were waiting for his chubby little legs to walk or trying to wean him out of nappies. Now the pudge has disappeared, he’s a little boy, and he’s starting a new chapter in his life.

Let’s be clear

Although I am more emotional than I thought I would be about my youngest child starting school, let’s not get carried away. Being emotional about his transition to school does not equate to me wanting another baby. Honestly, it doesn’t. No matter how many people tell me I should have another baby, that’s not the point here. It’s a milestone when both your children start school. A feeling that they are gaining independence and a flavour of what is to come as they make their way in the world. I do not need to fill this initial gap with another child. Just. To. Be. Clear.

Empty Nest Syndrome

Technically, empty nest syndrome applies when the last child has left home. It can conjure up feelings of loneliness and sadness in parents, along with a sense of loss. Could an element be creeping in as the youngest child starts school? Possibly for me initially, but I think it’s more about adapting to more time alone and some well-deserved independence. For six years, I have looked after my children and experienced life as both a stay at home mum and a working mum. It’s a massive shift to have every weekday to myself.

Let’s not get carried away

I say I now have every day to myself, but let’s not forget that the school days are short. I will pick them up just after three o’clock and then have the afternoon and evening with them. I’m not sure this gives me much time to feel lonely. I am planning to focus on three set days to work from home. The other two days I will focus on all the jobs around the house that have been parked for six years. I’m a stickler for routine, so I know I will stick to it. Get ready folks for a gleaming house and tidy cupboards….!

Time with each child

I rarely spend any time alone with my six-year-old. On weekends we do things as a family, or he goes to clubs. During the holidays we have my four-year-old with us. I miss ‘him and me’ time. I’ve had a lot of time with just the four-year-old, but that will change now he is at school. I will rarely have alone time with either of them, and I think it’s important. It’s important for them to have all my attention and it’s important for me to just be with them. It’s something I am aware I have to work on now that my youngest child has started school. The dynamic seems to be constantly changing.

Speak to me in a few weeks, and I’m positive that I’ll love my new routine. Hopefully, both children will be settled at school, and I will have the time I need to grow my business. I will miss both boys, but it is time for a change, and I have no choice but to embrace it.

Bet I will be the Mum skipping alone down the road after drop off.

Corporate to Kids

Who: Sarah - Queen of self-deprecation Job: from corporate HR career to Mum, Writer and Blogger Children: two boys with a 13 month age gap!! Obsessions: writing, Haribos, rainbows, coffee, fizz

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