Here in Scotland the new academic year started this week and most schools opened their doors once again for the start of the autumn term. Living here, it's something I don't think I will ever get used to - back to school in August! Plus to add insult to injury, this isn't a bank holiday weekend for us either *makes sulky face*
Nevertheless, our two girls managed to drag themselves up at a hideously early hour, donned new uniform and squeaky new school shoes and headed out. It was quite an occasion for our youngest as she begins senior school this year.
There's no surer way to feel well and truly ancient as when your youngest child is no longer at primary school but instead hurtling towards the teenage years and all the angst that brings! It doesn't seem very long ago that I was standing at the school gates waving her goodbye at all of 4 years old in her bright blue sweatshirt, chubby knees beneath grey skirt, heading off to reception class. It's the start of something new but also the end of a stage too. No more skipping in the playground and running about with the exuberance and unselfconciousness of early childhood. Now it will be huddles in the corridors and in doorways as she moves through the tricky adolescent years with grunting posses of other teenagers. I will miss that wide-eyed wonder stage, running into my arms, clutching lunchbag and latest art creation still wet with bright splodgy paint. But, though it's new, and a little bit scary, it's exciting too. As her world widens, I look forward to seeing her branch out and learn new things knowing that this family tree of love is there to support her.
I get your points but there are good parts to living in Scotland too. She looks lovely. It is a big move. My own son really struggled to adapt for the first year (we had just moved and lost my Dad who had lived with us so that might be why) but then found his feet. and made heartfelt friends and got his levels back up. It is a tricky time. I heard Patsy Kensit say they leave you for a while and then return in all their greatness about the age of 22. All the best with the teenage years to come.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your lovely words - I like the Patsy Kensit quote too!
DeleteI can't believe how grown up she looks now and beautiful. I certainly found that once they start secondary school the years go by faster!!!! Now I have no one at school, university or anything and grand kids beginning to get that bit nearer to going to school!!!! Life is definitely in seasons and circles, it's no wonder I fall over a lot lol xx
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