End of an Era

My blog post this week is a bit of  a personal one. I’m going to write something that might seem to be a long way off to those of you who are just starting your parenting journey, but believe me when I say it will be here before you know it: Last week, my youngest turned five.

Lots of lasts

I have four children, so this isn’t the first time that I’ve been through leaving playcentre, daycare, swimming and all of the other little things that we do before they start school. But it is the last time. Over the last two weeks we’ve said good bye to her swimming teacher, had a final session and playcentre and left the fantastic early childhood centre that all four of my children have been to. It’s been emotional. It really is the end of an era, the start of something new. I realised the other day that I’ve spent the last 8 years at swimming and Playcentre and our early childhood centre for six years. It’s a long time, but it really does go fast, so make the most of it.

A new start

Of course it’s not just about lasts and things coming to an end. This weeks marks the start of something new. My daughter is off to school for the first time and for the first time ever, I’ll have all four children at one place. At least for the next six months. It’s all very exciting and she can’t wait. There’s a little bit of me that’s looking forward to it too, if I’m honest, but I think I’m allowed to be a bit sad too.

End of an era

Things have changed a little in our house, children have got older and time has marched on. If you’re sitting there thinking that this seems a long way off for you yet, you’re probably right, it is. But, like all things it will come eventually, and before you know what’s happening, it will be the end of an era for you and your child too. I’ve often thought that one of the worst things about being a mother is watching them grow up so quickly. But not getting the chance to do that would be even worse. Being a parent can be hard work, but it goes so fast. Enjoy it as much as you can, because before you know it, they’ll be off to school.