Last weekend was a bit of an emotional one for me as all of a sudden school beckons for my baby girl. In January we had to apply for a nursery place for Lucia in our preferred school (the same school as Max) and last Saturday was the day we found out if she secured a place. Happily she did but as soon as I read the letter I burst into tears as the realisation that my baby would be going to nursery school hit me hard.
She doesn’t actually start until September and it is only two and a half hours per day but it is still the beginning of her schooling and she will be in the ‘system’ where she will stay until she is at least 16.
For those living in other parts of the world reading this, children in Northern Ireland go to nursery school aged three years old where they spend a year before moving on to ‘proper’ Primary school education when they are four. Personally I think we start our children too young over here and that the Europeans have it right starting them at six years old – sadly though there’s not much I can do about that!
So as well as being an emotional wreck because my little girl has reached the age to go to nursery, it will also be the first time that we will be entrusting her care to someone other than close family. Someone else will have to make sure her compression garments are pulled up regularly to stop them gathering around her ankles and knees. Someone else will need to make sure she doesn’t take her shoes off in case she walks on something she shouldn’t. Someone else needs to watch that she doesn’t fall and cut her legs. Someone else will have to catch her when she trips. Someone else will have to be there to give her the extra assistance pulling her tights up and down at the toilet.
And what about if she gets soaked during water play – will they be able to take off one pair of compression and manage to get a dry pair on? And what about the sand room? Yes, ROOM! I am a little worried about grains of sand getting trapped in her toes and the trouble that could bring!
These are only a few of the things already swirling around my mind and luckily I have five months to try to work my way through these fears. We have an open evening next week where we will be able to meet the teacher and discuss things which will hopefully put my mind at ease a little bit, but even just writing this blog is giving me knots in my stomach.
I do have extra reassurance though as Max went to the same nursery and I know the teacher is wonderful and will look after my baby girl well. She may need a bit of practice pulling up Lucia’s compression tights appropriately but I know that Lucia will be in good hands.
I also know that Lucia is going to love school and is already full of chat about meeting new friends. I just need to learn to let go and trust that my girl will be kept safe.
It is so hard to let go… But remember as Lucia gets older she will learn many things to care for herself… You will be surprised at how well she will do xxx big Hug xx
Thanks Helen, I know she will be fine and will love it but it will take me time to adjust I think! Plus I don’t want to let go but will have to just a little bit! She is very independent already so no doubt will thrive. Another experience for us all xx
Aww Jo-anne I bet your worried sick, in England we take Children aged just two into pre-school, some are so tiny like babies whilst others can talk clearly and are potty trained , our belle has been attending a nursery since 9 months old, and has just moved up to the toddles room! Lacey will fill you in on the heart wrenching emotions, especially if they don’t want to go, I am sure Lucia will love it though, try not to stress to much , I’m sure the staff will listen to your concerns big hugs to you all xx
Breaks my heart a little Tula! We are so fortunate to have my parents looking after both Max and Lucia, don’t know if I could have put them into a childminder/nursery any younger than 3! But this is Lucia’s pre-school year so she has to go 🙁 though I’d probably still have Max at home now if I could and he is 6 lol!!xx
Jo-Ann Remember LSN will provide you with leaflets and other things to take to nursery to educate the staff. Before Isla went (@9months) I typed up a does and don’ts check list for them. Once the staff saw that Isla was happy they relaxed into her care too. Although we have had a few worried called such as there’s a dent in the top of her foot when her shoe came off , they just need to learn what’s”normal” for our girls.
I have all this to go through again this year and probably every year there is a new teacher now she is due to start Primary school
Hi Heather, I have the LSN stuff – it’s great. Will get plenty of photocopies done and I like the idea of your dos and don’ts check list too so think I’ll maybe do that as well. It must have been really stressful for you doing this when Isla was just 9 months 🙁 I am very thankful and grateful that my parents look after our kids for us, they’re amazing. This is the beginning now for us too and every year thereafter with a new teacher…deep breaths!!