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March 2012

Home Alone

With his big brother at school, many wondered how the little one would cope being left home alone.  Quite simply, he’s loving it.

Of course he adores his big brother but being the second born often means following your older sibling around. Well this is certainly true for my youngest. Apart from the newborn phase, he has been dragged along to everything my five year old has been doing for the past two and a bit years. 

Swimming lessons, gymnastics, you name it, he’s been there.  And whilst he may have been there, doesn’t necessarily mean he has been able to participate. Not at the same enjoyment level anyway. . . .

School Parking Chaos

I never thought parking at school was going to be such a nightmare. Finding a spot close to the school gate is nearly impossible. When you do, it’s like winning the lottery.

I choose to drive my five year old to and from school.  Whilst it’s only seven kilometres from home, it’s too far to walk and we aren’t ready for the bus at this early stage of school life.

So the past weeks we have been trying to find the right time to leave home to get that perfect parking spot. I now realise there is no right time. You leave too early and miss the traffic, but are at school far too early. Leave it too late and you find yourself parking almost a kilometre away. . . .

Swimming Carnival Fun

February not only sees the start of school but also the annual school swimming carnival. I didn’t expect to be off to my son’s swimming carnival in his first year but I am glad the young kids were included.

Of course some parents were hesitant, but most were happy the five year olds were part of the carnival. Not only do they get a chance to participate, but it is a lovely way to spend half a day so early in the school year.

For some kids, mine included, it was his first trip on the school bus. He was very excited and it was the first time since school began that he was hurrying me out the door.  What a change.

By the time I arrived at the local pool, all the little ones were in their swimmers slapping sunscreen all over their bodies. My son even had his goggles on. Never mind they were fully fogged from the heat and humidity.  Eventually they moved them through line by line toward the pool edge . . . 

Surviving the First Weeks of ‘Big’ School

The shoes have been polished and the uniform washed and ironed many times. My five year old has just started school.  Everything is enormous, his hat, his school shoes and his ridiculously large back pack. No wonder they call it ‘big school’. Yes, I understand that millions of kids before him have all started school and survived, but this is my little boy – my first son is off into the big wide world.

Those first few days were emotional, but I didn’t cry. I held back for a number of reasons. Firstly I was a big sook when I started school many years ago. I cried, well more like sobbed, every single day for that first year. I really didn’t want to re-live that particular childhood experience. Secondly, I had an embarrassingly teary farewell on his last day at pre-school. Finally and most importantly, I didn’t want to transfer my anxious feelings onto him.  I thought, if I appear controlled and confident, he might too. . . .