Starting school for the first time

[Nana]

That works out well for you all love. Great. My DD holds quite a senior position at work so can't really cut her hrs. His daddy is self employed. She's been agonising over it for months. His school only has after school club for the older ones.

It makes me wonder if our parents were so concerned about us starting school? I doubt it. A case of 'do what your brother says...or else' then a 10min walk (without mum) with brother, sister & cousins, to catch the local bus. No thought that we might have had feelings in the '50s. Schools are much friendlier places now...at least there's no physical punishment.

[Daisy]

Nana - it's really hard for parents when they both work full-time, and some jobs have no flexibility.

I agree, these little 4 year olds will be shattered after a day at school. Even after playgroup which GD2 goes to until 2.30 two days a week is exhausting. When we get home all she wants to do is chill out in front of the tv for half an hour. It's hardest of all on the summer birthday children. There's a big difference at that age between the oldest and the youngest, and I don't think it's something teachers are always aware of, especially if they don't have children of their own.


Qwerty - I'm glad your DIL can reduce her hours to pick them up from school. Nana - it's very hard with some jobs, isn't it. My DS1 has a very long commute to work and also works long hours, has to go abroad quite often and often has video meetings with Australian counterparts at unearthly hours in the morning. But he can sometimes book himself a day working from home, and DIL1's employers are very understanding, but in return she does more than her 'full whack' in gratitude.

DS2 and DIL2 run their own business which is both a blessing and a curse! But they live and work close to GD1's school, and one of them can nearly always slip out and pick her up from school. GD2 will go to the Infants on the same site and they finish 10 minutes before the Juniors, so that will work very well. I expect on the days I look after them I'll pick them up myself, which will be lovely.


Nana - your comment about physical punishment reminded me of an incident when I was in the first year at school. We had to line up in the class room before leaving at the end of the day, and the teacher went round the class asking us spellings. The little boy next to me spelt 'was' as 'wos', and she smacked the back of his hand. I can still remember how shocked I felt, and how relieved that, as I was then asked it, I knew is was 'was'. The little boy cried, and I wanted to hug him and say it's all right, but I didn't dare.

[Plantaholic]

That has obviously made quite an impression on you Daisy as the unfairness has stayed with you after all those years.

[Daisy]

It did, Plant. I could understand getting a smack for being naughty, which was the norm in those days, but not for not knowing something.

[Oma]

My two youngest go to breakfast club and after school club they have done from day one ,
I worried it would be too much for them but they have always been ok , GS2 wasn't used to it as he had always been with us but he adapted well
GD knew no other so no trauma for her she had been in full time nursery from being a baby , they love after school club it's all about playing 😊

[Daisy]

Oma - it sounds as though their after school club is pitched just right - fun and not over demanding. Children are very adaptable, too. GD1 does activities till 4.30 two days a week and she does come home more tired afterwards, but she never paces herself. It's something she'll have to learn!

[Gemini]

Qwerty, I too have never heard of children going in so regularly the term before they start. It is usually just one or 2 visits. Still, it will make the place familiar.
I too found it hard when GD reached school age that we don't go in when dropping off or collecting. By the time GS1 started school I was used to it!
His mum reduced her hours so she collects him 3 days a week, me one and his daddy one. She may increase them when he's a bit older but didn't want him to have to after school straight away.

DD2 and OH have their own business, plus 2 grandmas to pick up one day a week each. I know my DD's are lucky in being able to bend their work to fit around the children when they are small.

Daisy, how nice that your GD was so impressed

[Gemini]

Nana it turns out they don’t need the uniform but dil thinks if she lets them wear it in July the trauma of going won’t be made worse with different clothes to put on 🤨
.

Qwerty, this reminds me, my GS1 insisted going to his trial day at school this time last year, in full uniform. DD warned him that it was unlikely anyone else would, so he wouldn't feel odd, but he didn't care he wanted to wear it. He was the only one, but he was happy (This boy, by choice like to wear a smart shirt and bow tie for parties and special occasion, so is never going to care if he's not one of the crowd!)

[Daisy]

Gem - he sounds a very smart young man, your GS1

My GD2 had her second session at school on Monday. Like the first one it was 'awesome', but when her mum and dad asked what she did, she had no idea! She said she'd forgotten.

[Qwerty]

Not very memorable then Daisy 😀

[Daisy]

Qwerty - I'm sure we'll hear snippets about her afternoon eventually - she obviously didn't want to bother talking about it at that time.