Back-to-school time is SO emotional for mums. We’re in the midst of all these conflicting feelings: sadness they’re growing up, but happy they’re independent; devastated we won’t see them as much, but relieved we’re finally getting a bit of a break.
And of course all these feelings come to a head in a big way on the very first day back. So climb aboard the inevitable emotional rollercoaster!
1. “My baby is growing up so fast”
It feels like only yesterday we were in labour, and now look at our little angels – tottering out the door with these massive school bags on their backs, independent and practically grown up. Time, PLEASE slow down, even just a little.
2. “Finally, a break!”
Okay, we love our kids more than anything, but between the constant demands for entertainment (because everyone knows mums are basically Krusty the Clown) demands for crisps, and demands to be brought to the beach we're worn OUT. No, we’re not terrible mums, we’re mums who need a well-earned break!
3. “I’m going to miss them SO much!”
This is where we permit ourselves a little sob. We got so used to spending more time with the kids over the summer and now they’re being forcibly pulled from our loving grip. (Ahm, what can we say, our heartbreak makes us extra dramatic.)
4. “At least they’re off on a full stomach”
The only thing that makes us feel less bereft is knowing – in true Irish mammy style – that we’ve sent our little troopers off with a good breakfast in them. Thank God we insisted on that huge bowl of Kellogg’s Rice Krispies. “Go on love, have another spoon, there you go. Sure you’re doing PE today, you’ll need your strength. Go on have another bowl. Eat love, EAT!”
5. “Hopefully they’ll bring home paintings in a *nice* colour this year”
After our kids went through their “murky green” period last year, where every painting happened to look like a moody swamp, we’re holding out for a nice bit of colour this year – some pinks, blues and yellows hopefully. The kitchen wall could really do with a lift.
6. “I can't leave my child here!”
Suddenly we see a particularly stern-faced teacher in the playground and all our own school memories flow back. “What is this place?” we sob. “I can't leave my beloved baby here! I hated school!”
7. “Wow, I’m old.”
It feels like only yesterday when we were doing our own Leaving Cert, now we’ve kids in secondary school. Holy moly we are officially OLD. So why do we still feel 18?
8. “I hope my kid makes friends”
We can’t help but be gripped with worry that our kids won’t make friends. We know it's normal to feel this way, but we can’t help pacing with worry at home, imagining them sitting alone in the playground. We almost have to stop ourselves from running into the school and telling all the kids how great our children are. “You’d be lucky to be their friend, so you would, LUCKY!”
