This time last year we were in full preparation mode for our eldest child starting high school. It had felt like only five minutes since we’d said goodbye to her aged four on the first day of primary school. Now here we were parents of an eleven-year-old who was about to begin her secondary school education. During August we had planned the school route, walked it every which way possible, timed it and walked it again. We had purchased the uniform with little change from two hundred pounds (!) and first day arrangements had been made.
Despite our months of meticulous planning, nothing quite prepared Izzy and me for how utterly daunting this world of the unknown would be. A shock to the system is definitely the phrase that springs to mind. There were many tears and we were both emotionally charged for days. High school was simply too overwhelming for us both.
During the first few months, the weeks were long and we both looked forward to the long awaited weekends. Our evenings were spent working through the homework and packing bags ready for the subjects that followed the next day. Some days Isabella loved her new school, other days she hated it and the October half term couldn’t come soon enough for us both.
I took comfort in glasses of red wine and from speaking to other mums of the girls in Isabella’s friendship group, they were very much living the same emotional rollercoaster as we were. I supported Izzy in the best way I could but sometimes feared that my best wasn’t necessarily good enough. This new found parental territory was one myself and my husband had not navigated before and despite all the careful planning, we really weren’t prepared for. Over the months that followed, Isabella’s confidence grew and she began to feel more relaxed and secure in her new surroundings. Her friendship group widened and her new routine became second nature. I could finally breath a huge sigh of relief, we had finally conquered this new experience together!
For anyone who is currently in the position that I was in twelve months ago, prepare yourself for the tears that are likely to follow, (mostly from us mums!) Know that the days can be long, and hard. Over time your precious babies will surprise you as they spread their wings and take on this opportunity head-on. Once again, like all the other milestones they’ve achieved along the years, they’ll make us immensely proud once again. Good luck!
Guest Blog by Jade Atwell
