Oh, the places she will go!
The classroom wall.
Today my little baby, who was no more than a mewling, pooping babe in my arms four years ago, finished preschool.
It was very emotional. Remembering her first week last October when she cried her eyes out every day walking to the creche because she missed her old creche so badly. Me going to work every day feeling like absolute poo for leaving her in a place she did not want to be. And gradually watching her blossom into this outgoing, bubbly, cheeky and sometimes mean, jealous and little messer of a nearly five year old.
I can’t help but still see the baby I had and wonder if she’s really ready to go out into the more structured world of formal education.
This is on the wall leading to their class, how lovely is that?
They put on a little concert, singing songs in their little gowns (black adult shirts with the sleeves rolled up – how creative is that? ) and received their little decorative scrolls. And later they released balloons depicting their wishes and hopes for the future (I tried not to let the horror of the eventual pollution – sorry, I just couldn’t keep it out of my mind!- get to me) and as we stood in their little playground, I realised that despite the guilt that every working mum feels, when you subcontract your parenting to people who love your child and care about their well-being, it makes it that much easier to bear.
The kids getting ready to release their balloons.
This is one of many steps, of many endings that will happen in her life. I couldn’t help but think how,therapeutically, endings are of such great importance. They allow us to grieve for what we are losing, to celebrate the achievements we have had, to acknowledge how far we have come, the wisdom we have gained and the people who have accompanied us. When we end anything well, be it a relationship, a piece of work, a journey, or even yes, preschool we are giving ourselves the tools to move forward with no baggage weighting us down.
She’s still in next week because I have to work, and I wish with all my heart that I could have taken the time off to give her a proper little holiday at home before she starts primary school, or “big school” as it’s called here, all of next week, but such is the life of a very busy working mama.
And I refuse to let that get me down. This is her ending, and we’ll get another one, a fuller one, next Thursday when we say goodbye to her minders/teachers. Perhaps our paths will cross again and maybe they won’t but to the Giraffe staff, You guys, all of you, have been AMAZING!
Thank you, for taking such great care of my most precious person.
I LOVE the balloon idea! My “baby” started his free school year this week. Both of us are delighted with ourselves. Long may it last. It’s all about stages and pushing, guiding and leading them forwards.
There were balloons EVERYWHERE and they were used so creatively. You’re so right, all teh different stages and guiding them through it and then watching them find their own little feet. I was very teary. Best of luck to you and your baby with the preschool.
Best of luck to your precious person in her new school. I’m both excited and terrified at the same prospect for my little ones! It’s a big milestone for sure 🙂
It’s such a big new stage isn’t it? And yours look so adorable in their uniforms! I can’t wait to see what their new collective journeys will be.
What a lovely post. I too love the balloon idea. It is so hard watching our chlldren move on but on occasions it is great to take the time to see how far they have come. I’m sure after settling in your little one will love ‘big’ school. Good luck with it.
Thank you Tric. That’s the one thing I wanted to take away – how far she’s come. And she has been simply amazing. Thank you for the lovely comment.
Ahh i remember this well. Carson’s going into year 3 in September already. Where does the time go hey? Xx
Doesn’t it just fly? It’s so surreal having them in nappies one minute and the next they’re writing and reading…I can’t even imagine Year 3. It seems so far away.
I haven’t been in that situation as a mum working outside the home – I work from home so have had the chance to be with the kid. I used to be a teacher and I can promise anyone who worries that we genuinely do care about everyones kids, and love them! Hope he enjoys school!
That’s really lovely to hear because I sometimes feel perhaps only I can love her craziness. And when the manager shed tears and told us they love and care for every single child, I got so emotional. Thank you, for the lovely comment.
I love how much effort has gone into their send off. The balloon idea is such a good one.
I only showed a fraction of what they did. It was really creative and thoughtful. Who knew there were so many ways to use balloons! Thanks for commenting.
This is the sweetest thing Muuka, I love how they set up their farewell sendoff and the graduation gown idea is just genius! I can imagine how emotional you were, TL joined playgroup in January and is moving on to Junior Pre-School on September 2nd, it just flies by! I hope your little one loves big school!
Thank you Fi. I was simply blown away by the creativity of the creche and yes, very emotional. I do hope TL enjoys Junior pre-school …which is only next week. Time really does fly doesn’t it?
Its scary how fast they grow up, sounds like a gorgeous graduation. My lady is starting preschool next week, argh where does the time go!!
It’s like you turn around and they’ve shot up in growth isn’t it? I love the saying “The days are many but the years are few” because they really are.
oh i feel your pain my little red head is starting big school on thursday im filled with so many emotions. The balloon idea is lovely sadly my sons end to pre school was very disappointing the montessori he went to did nothing. So when i collect him on his last day, i made sure to have more planned as like you i feel its important to know when something is ending. lovely read x
Thursday? Best of luck to both of you. And yes, endings are really important and it’s lovely you’ll be doing something for him. Boo to the montessori. Hopefully they will mark it even in a tiny way.
Big school seems such a big step when they seem so little.
It does! Yet this is only another first in a lot of steps she will take in the future.
Very sweet!
Thanks Katia.
Amazing ideas!!! Love the balloons, it’s my daughters birthday soon and I’ve just picked up a few ideas from your post. The concert idea if cute. Aww. Thank you 😀
I’ll be sure to tell them that their balloon idea was so popular. They’ll be well chuffed. Happy birthday to your little girl and I hope you all have a great day.
A very emotional time. The future full of possibilities. My eldest is about to make the step to juniors and it was equally as emotional when she left another stage.
I hope you have a lovely start to Junior infants. All the craziness and new adventure is ahead of us huh?
Oh this must be so emotional. So exciting and wow you must be so proud! I felt like this when my daughter had her first birthday – I couldn’t believe how fast time had flown – I can’t imagine what I am going to feel like when she starts school!
You have all of this ahead of you and I promise it’s so much fun.
This brought a tear to my eye, Muuka – you put it all beautifully. I’m sure I’ll be a mess when my little one starts big school in a year! All these milestones are so bittersweet.
Thank you Niamh! It really was very bittersweet. She’s no longer my baby yet she still is in so many ways.
They grow up so quickly! My son is in Year 4 in a couple of weeks. I love these ideas. Fab.
Year 4! wow, that’s a really big deal.
We have just been through last day at Pre-school and it was so emotional. Its like the end of an era and a new chapter starting. x
The closer we get to big school the more excited I’m getting. I Hope you had a lovely day too…so emotional.
It’s a transitional time for all of you.It doesn’t ever end as they grow up, sometimes you’ll feel totally helpless at everything.You’ll do the best you can at that moment, don’t feel guilty for not being there.
Wise words Aly, you’re so right, every transition brings up so many different emotions.
Aww, it’s so hard when the little ones move to big school. My eldest starts secondary school on 7th September and I was an emotional wreck when she left her primary school back in July. It was so sad :'(
Louise x
With love from Lou
Secondary School? oh wow! That is such a big deal. I hope both of you have a wonderful beginning to it in two weeks’ time and had a good ending to the primary school.
Such an emotional time when they make that leap to big school! I have all this to come next year! Xxx
Best of luck with it next year. It’s such a great time in their lives too.
What a lovely way to celebrate the end of pre-school! My son never had anything like this when he left nursery/pre-school but I’ve been seeing lots of similar post to yours and friends posting about leaving parties/graduations for their children on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram! I think its such a great idea as it helps children’s transitions into the next step of school! x
I was very skeptical of the whole thing but it really ended u being a nice ending to a very emotional year for us. It’s really become a big “thing” to do hasn’t it?
I can imagine it being a very emotional time. I love the balloon idea, how lovely! My eldest is due to start nursery year at school next week im so nervous but know she will love it!! x
Best of luck to both of you. I’m sure whatever happens, she will grow so much over the year and you’ll look back in awe.
Oh bless – what a lovely post. Time flies by so very quickly – my eldest is 19 now!! Thank goodness for my ickle Pickle who is giving me the chance to do it all again. Kaz x
That’s lovely, having the opportunity to do it again. Enjoy every single moment Kaz. That’s really so sweet.
It’s a big change for everyone isn’t it. I’m sure she will thrive at big school
Here’s hoping. She’s definitely not the shy retiring type so I hope she keeps that feisty spirit.
Gorgeous! Such an emotional time. I love what you called this post – love it. She will go fantastic places.
Thank you. And you’ll be doing again very soon – preschool and big school…so emotional and crazy little people.
Thank you for sharing this. Really loved the balloon idea, so great! You are right, endings are important because they bring new beginnings. Best of luck to both of you!
Thanks Austin!