See Dominic run into school here! 👆🏻
Today was a big one. My littlest, Dominic, started nursery school. He woke up full of beans, buzzing to put on his brand new uniform, which, by the way, is now 98% name labels and 2% actual clothing. Honestly, even the gloves weren’t safe. God bless those washable printed name tags from Amazon (get here), absolute game changers for frazzled mums trying to avoid the ‘great lost jumper debacle’.
Lunchbox packed. Wellies ready. Big energy. He practically sprinted to the car, shouting “Song on!” before we’d even reversed off the drive. Singing away like he was auditioning for The Voice Kids, bless him.
But then… we got there.
The second we stepped into the nursery, it was like someone hit pause on the confident little whirlwind I know. He went shy. Real quiet. Clung to my leg like a koala on a tree trunk. Not like him at all, and honestly, it threw me.
Luckily, the nursery staff were absolute angels and let me stay for a bit. We found a reading corner with one of the lovely teachers, and when another little boy came over to join them, something just clicked. Off he went, chatting about dinosaurs, totally in his element.
And I? I snuck out like some kind of emotional ninja, sunglasses on indoors to hide the mix of tears and mascara smudges. Classic mum behaviour.
When Both Your Babies Are at School…
It hit me, walking back to the car, both my babies are now in school. And while there’s this tiny part of me that’s feeling all broody (don’t panic, it’s a passing phase… I think), there’s also this quiet buzz of feeling like my old self.
I don’t get to go home and enjoy a peaceful brew, I’m off to work straight after drop-off like most of us, but still, there’s this little moment of relief. A sense of calm knowing they’re both settled, in good hands, with lovely teachers who actually seem to care. It’s not total freedom, but it is a bit of peace. And that trust in the school? Honestly, it’s priceless.
Don’t get me wrong, I miss them like mad. But I also like being able to hear myself think. And pee in peace. And maybe, just maybe, remember who I am outside of being “Mummy”.
Nursery Survival Kit (From One Mum to Another):
- Name Tags – I swear by those printed ones. I got mine off Amazon and stuck them on everything but the child himself. If it’s not labelled, it’s basically gone forever. 👆🏻Find them here!
- Wellies & Waterproofs – They’ll be outside whatever the weather. And yes, I packed spare socks. I’ve lived. 👢Wellies link!
- Lunchbox Prep – Keep it simple. Little portions. And nothing you’d be devastated to find half-chewed and returned. – Lunchbox find here! 🎒
- Your Sanity – Whether it’s a tearful cry in the car or a victory latte with friends, however you feel is valid. You’re doing amazing.
Life After Drop-Off
So here we are. A new chapter. One where I’m not wiping snot every 7 seconds or dodging nerf bullets while trying to get to the kettle. It’s a bit emotional. A bit freeing. A bit “who even am I again?”
But mostly, it’s just real life. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
📌 Find me on Pinterest: @lifeofrileigh — I’ll be sharing some nursery prep pins!
🎥 Follow the chaos on TikTok: @life_of_rileigh
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