I don't like being a school mum

[Rouge]

I don't think you ever really get over it. We have mother/daughter and son/daughter days once a term. That's does help But now in high school they will be a zero possibility. Then after school there are activities and study sessions and rehearsals. So I value weekends even more than ever before and really do not want to share them with anyone. So try to count all the blessings each day. Try not to get stuck in missing the past or you'll miss the present and loathe the future. Try and be as much of the P&F as possible. I had a baby the year before DD started prep. And yes it is hard but I promise it gets easier. And the kid politics is fine as long as you use the bad times as an opportunity to teach them the tools you wish you had in school and all will be ok. Big loves to you all. I'm still sooking about high school. So whilst it's different I understand.

[lilima]

School hols are awesome! I am one that lioves school hols and in no rush to get them back to school.

[nickle730]

I love school! I love to see my kids trot off in the morning, excited for the day ahead. I love it when they come running out at the end of the day, full of news and knowledge and excitement. I'm not a fan of the early wake ups and morning rush (definitely not a morning person!) but on the days I am not working I hang around at school and listen to reading or hang out with DD2 in ELC (kinder, at the same school my big kids are at). I think the trick is to find a school whose values and philosophies are similar to your own. I feel very comfortable leaving my kids at school because I know that the are safe, loved and valued. DD1 is in grade 6 now and we've certainly had our ups and downs (some social issues last year), but my kids love their school and so do I. It's hard with younger kids, but involve yourself as much as you can and make the effort to befriend the other parents. School and home should work in collaboration so that you don't feel you are sending your kids off to some foreign place where they aren't protected.

This is the first year all three of my kids have been at school and I'm still adjusting, I certainly miss DD2 but I love seeing her engaged and joyful at ELC, making new friends and discovering a whole new world of wonder and learning! I'm also enjoying exploring new opportunities at work and grocery shopping is a thousand times easier! I will admit that I love school holidays and snuggly sleep ins...

[Astrid]

So try to count all the blessings each day. Try not to get stuck in missing the past or you'll miss the present and loathe the future.

Completely agree with this. Try to enjoy this stage. They get to do some awesome things.

I hated school growing up and really feared it for my girls, but DD1 really enjoys it, she is a smart cookie and loves learning. DD2 is different, she enjoys it in her own way but is such a mummy's girl. I have gotten to know some great parents and not so great ones (I avoid them where I can ). I am not good at the typical school volunteering and don't have that time, so I don't do that, but have joined the school council as that makes best use of my talents and keeps me connected with the school.

[wysiwyg]

I do think that how you felt about school as a child does impact a lot on how you feel about school for your own children. I adored school so in that respect I am looking forward to it, and through work am quite used to being apart from them and finding the joy in hearing how much fun they have had at daycare etc. The bit I struggle with is also influenced by my own childhood though in that although mum worked she was always home at around the same time as us so about 4:30 - and the idea of having to use after-school care every day next year till 5:30 horrifies me. I am sure it will be fine and that plenty of people do it, but for me it drags up the feelings Arcadia mentions of being caught in the rat race, and I think is different from childcare/kinder etc because you know that school is for many years.

[MummyNaomi]

I do think that how you felt about school as a child does impact a lot on how you feel about school for your own children.

Yes, absolutely! I loved school and am very positive about the experience I expect and hope DS will have. DH hated it, was bullied for being overweight etc and worries about DS much more than I.