When a child first starts school it can be an extremely emotional time. Not just for them, but for parents too.
The poem below perfectly sums up how many parents feel. Be warned you may need a tissue before you start reading…
But isn’t it nice to know we all feel exactly the same when our little ones head off into the big wide world without us? Sob.
Dear Teacher,
I know you’re rather busy, first day back, there’s just no time, a whole new class of little ones and this one here is mine.
I’m sure you have things covered and have done this lots before, but my boy is very little, he hasn’t long turned four.
In his uniform this morning, he looked so tall and steady, but now beside your great big school I’m not quite sure he’s ready.
Do you help them eat their lunch? Are you quick to soothe their fears? And if he falls and hurts his knee will someone dry his tears?
And what if no-one plays with him? What if someone’s mean? What if two kids have a fight and he’s caught in between?
You’re right, I have to leave now it’s time for him to go I’m sure he’ll learn so much from you, things that I don’t know.
Yes, I’m sure they settle quickly, that he’s fine now without me, I know he has to go to school, it’s just so fast.
You see, it seems like just a blink ago I first held him in my arms, it’s been my job to love, to teach, to keep him safe from harm.
So, when I wave goodbye in a moment and he turns to walk inside, forgive me if I crumple into tears of loss and pride.
I know as I give him one more kiss and watch him walk away, that he’ll never again be wholly mine as he was before today.
Are you blubbing yet? If not, the teacher’s reply should definitely set you off…
Dear Parent,
I understand that you are scared to wave your child goodbye and leave him in a teacher’s hands – don’t worry if you cry!
I’m used to weeping parents, it’s hard to leave I know. But it’s time to share him (just a bit) to help him learn and grow.
Let me reassure you that I’ll give your child my best, I’ll wipe his tears, soothe his fears and change his dirty vest!
If your darling child is full of cold I’ll blow their nose all day, just like you, I’ll care for them in a special way.
I’ll treat him like I would my own I’ll catch him from a fall and if there is ANY problem I’ll be sure to tell you all.
It’s true he’ll grow to love us, they’ll talk of school a lot, it doesn’t mean they hate you and that you should lose the plot!
I’ll tell you a secret… That when your child is here, they talk to me as much of you of this please have no fear.
You’ll always be their mother, whilst teachers come and go, to them you are their number one, this I truly know.
Soon you’ll see some changes, in your little girl or boy, they’ll become more independent and to see this, it’s a joy!
I’ll teach them all I have to give, to share, climb and to write, but to you they safely will return to tuck them in at night.
With love from a teacher…
Dear mam,
I know you’re very worried and think that I won’t cope,
But know that all you’ve thought me should give you lots of hope,
I’m heading in I know I’m ready, this I have no fear,
But it really wouldn’t help me mam if I turn and see your tear,
I hope to make some friends today sure it’s new to us all,
I know the teacher will mind us well, in the yard and in the hall,
I know I’ve only just turned four but I feel like I’m a man,
In my uniform I feel so tall, mam I will be grand,
You’ve thought me well, I’ve learned a lot, but there’s much more to know,
That’s why I need to go to school so you must let me go,
I know you’re used to me at home I was always by your side,
But we both have to be strong right now, so watch me go with pride,
I’ll think of you throughout the day and wonder what you’re at,
I really hope you’ll meet your pals for a coffee and a chat,
And when we meet up after school we’ll have lots to tell each other,
About our day and how it went, just me and my brave mother.
