The first day of school is a milestone.

It’s a big deal. Like, huge.

All of a sudden your little baby is not quite so little.

This is the day she starts making her own way in the world.

She’s entering the education system which will be her daytime home for the rest of her childhood.

And you’ll be left at the gates, wondering how she’s getting on.

The start of school signifies the next chapter not only in her life, but in yours.

It’s an emotional day. As you say goodbye at the gates, all of a sudden she seems so grown up. Whether you burst into inconsolable sobs as soon as she waves goodbye, or hold it together until you get home, you’re likely to feel emotional on that very first day of school.

Here are 10 thoughts every parent has on their child’s first day of school:

#1: Urgh. Is This Really The Time I Have To Get Up From Now On?

Oh no, it can’t be. Can it? I’ve only just fallen asleep. Is it really time to get up now? Already? Could I snooze maybe, just once? Oh, it appears I already did, twice. Crap, we’re going to be late.

#2: Finally, Time To Get Dressed

Now that all hazardous tasks containing stain-causing materials such as cereal, milk and toothpaste has already been completed, it’s time to get this uniform on. God, I hope I don’t have to iron it every single day. Why on earth did I go for a pleated skirt? I’m such an idiot.

#3: Where Did My Baby Go?!

Argh! Who is this school-aged child stood before me, swamped in an oversized uniform? This can’t really be that tiny baby I welcomed only a few heartbeats ago, can it? Really? Has that much time passed already? I swear it was only yesterday she was snuggled up in the side-sleeper next to me. How can she be ready for school already? I’d better just text each and every mama friend I made at baby group, to ask them where our babies have gone…

#4: We’re Definitely Going To Be Late

Urgh, we’re going to be late on the first day. I am a terrible parent. Oh well, start as you mean to go on, I suppose. They’d better get used to us turning up late. There’s no way I’m ever going to get up on time. And then this kid walks so slow, it’ll be a wonder if we make it there at all today.

Oh, thank goodness, we made it! Right on time. Amazing. I am going to be the best school run parent ever. Oh, wait, they haven’t even opened the doors yet. Great, now I’m extra glad we ran the whole way here.

#5: Where Did That Stain Come From?!

Look at all these adorable little kids waiting to go to school for the first time. Why do they all look so smart and presentable, and my child appears to be covered in some kind of sticky, orange substance. Where did that even come from? I’m sure I wiped her face before we left the house. Did I? It’s all such a blur. Oh god, her socks are covered in mud. How?! We haven’t even walked past any mud today!

#6: Please Don’t Cry

Oh god, if she cries, I’ll cry. No, I need to be strong. I’m the parent and it’s my job to remain strong. If she cries, I’ll be compassionate and loving but I won’t cry myself. I’m sure she’ll cry a bit, after all, she’s certainly going to miss me. She’s probably worried about what happens at school, I mean, it’s all knew to her. If I’m feeling this emotional, I can only imagine how she must be feeling. Poor kid.

#7: Where Did She Go?!

She was here just a moment ago, where has she gone?! Oh, she’s gone in. Yep, there she is casually waving goodbye at me through the window. No tears, no begging me to stay. Well, that’s good. I guess. Though, would it kill her to pretend she was going to miss me a little bit? I mean, jeez, to just run in like that really implies like she can’t wait to get away from me. Oh well, off I go I suppose.

#8: FREEDOM!

Oh my goodness, look how fast I’m walking. I’m totally free, I can do anything I want to do. I have a few hours to myself. What shall I do? Where shall I go? Maybe I should go wild and relive my youth? Quick pub session followed by an impulse tattoo? Probably would look a bit ridiculous at school pick up time so maybe not. Hmm, what to do…

#9: My Baby!

Oh no, now I’m crying. And in public. Oh, sod it, of course I am. The tiny baby I held in my arms is now a fully fledged person at school all by herself. She’ll be moving out in no time. She’s growing up too fast. Remember how little she used to be? I would do anything for one more cuddle with her when she was newborn. I just want time to slow down a little. I’m not ready for my baby to grow up just yet.