A LETTER TO MY DAUGHTER ON HER FIRST DAY AT NURSERY

It's absolute madness that today I will officially become a 'school run mum'. Today, my beautiful daughter will mark a big milestone in her life and start nursery for the first time. In fact if I'm being completely honest I am not entirely ready and this little post has been in my drafts for some time because I didn't want to post it, as it would become more real. I feel that ever since she turned three, life has been crazy and time flies doesn’t it when you least want it to. Suddenly it’s the end of Summer and the forms are all filled in and she’s ready to go and I want to cry my heart out. And actually I have done…on more than one occasion. Even when I received a very thoughtful welcome pack over the summer, I cried like a baby, I know as I write this that I’m being completely and utterly daft. Starting nursery is the beginning of a new exciting stage in my daughter's life. But I can't help but think it's the end of an era with feelings of sadness and anxiety, which I think are inevitable. 


If I actually sit and think about it, I know that she will be absolutely fine. I have met some of the keys workers and the nursery leader who are so friendly and the nursery has fantastic facilities. Plus, my sister's little girl will be in the same session as my little girl, and they play together frequently so it’s not like she won’t know anyone at all. I know deep down that this is the best thing for her, it's time to let her become her own person, and become a social butterfly. And because this moment will never come again, here are a few words I wanted to say to her on her first day at nursery...



To my beautiful little girl,

It's the end of summer and those mornings at play groups, on play dates, playing with toys, baking sweet treats are longer no more. Now our mornings will consist of getting up, rushing to get you your breakfast, into your uniform and out the door before 8.30 and I can't help but feel a little sad. In that, it feels like it's the end of something special, but at the same time I am looking forward to all the new exciting things that we will be able to talk about. It's bittersweet.


Ever since you made your entrance into the world, we've been together, we've been together every waking moment from the second you were born. Holding you, guiding you, comforting you, playing with you, and even teaching you a thing or two. So, I guess it's not really surprising that watching you disappear into a room of virtual strangers is enough to fill me with doubt. When you look back to read this I want you to know that you were ready for nursery. You were so excited. You even loved to tell complete strangers that you would be starting nursery because you're a big girl. You were so happy and excited but your only concern was me. You would tell me not to worry and that you would be fine and that you'd be coming home soon. Yes, of course I know you were right and that it was only a few hours but you starting nursery was a bittersweet moment, I was excited for you, but I can't help but feel a little pinch inside....

As I am sat here thinking about I think that pinch inside is me feeling a little regretful. I regret those days when I became a shouty mum, and as I put your in room for a time out and left muttering 'Can it be September already?'. I regret those moments where I wished our time away, the late nights, the hours I would count down to bed time, the times where my patience had reached that peak and I couldn't handle another episode of Topsy and Tim! Or the times where I have told you to wait because I am busy doing something that could have clearly be done later. I regret that I didn't make the most of every single moment we had together for the past three years, I just didn't know how fast time would pass and even though some days are hard, I would give anything to be able to hold on to you for a moment longer. And yet here I am writing a letter to you on your first day of nursery...


What if you cry? How will you cope without me? What about if other children are mean to you? What if you cry and no one cuddles you? What about if you don't cry? I know that most parents who's little ones's are embarking on the same milestone as you are probably asking the same questions, but I know that you are far more resilient that I actually give you credit for. You're a ray of sunshine, I know that you will brighten that nursery room with your smiles, laughter and undoubtedly your sassiness. Please don't ever stop being you! I know deep down that you will cope with changes just fine, flourish even. I have absolutely no clue what I will do for those hours you're at nursery, most probably clock watching until I see you again.

As you walked away in your new pinafore and shiny new shoes into a room full of other excited faces, I cried. It's the end of something but the start of something quite special. A time where I will eagerly wait for you at the school gates wanting to know every detail of your day. Seeing your beautiful excited face as we try and look for one another in the gaggle of parents and other excited children. I can't wait to see the creative things you'll make. As I let go of your hand, wiped my tears away just know that I have every faith in you and that I am with you every step of the way. I hope that nursery school is everything that you want and more, and that you shine bright like all the stars in the sky. Love you always little lady!

6 comments

  1. This is so lovely! Made me teary though! This will be me when my boy starts reception soon! It's all life though, a new chapter - it will be different, but fantastic in a new way. x

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    1. Oh dear, not going to lie a few tears drop fell whilst writing this!

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  2. I remember having all these same feelings. It sounds trite, but it really does get easier #KCACOLS

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  3. The start of a new chapter is always hard, but I hope you've soon settled into a routine and enjoy this new stage of growing up x

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