Back to school
picture by LittleMissSilly
We’re almost ready and it feels a little bit sad that the holidays are coming to an end. It wasn’t that long ago that the kids were all home with me every single day, all day and we could do whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted, without answering to anyone.
Now the school bags lie bulging by the front door. The new school shoes wait in the cupboard. We’ve done the necessary haircuts and bought new lunchboxes. Even Miss Four will have childcare three days a week (I expect) and I’m not sure I’ll know what to do with my empty nest. I seriously doubt it will equate with a tidier house.
And they are ready - oh so ready - to begin a new term with their new books and pencil cases. Ready to say goodbye to Mum and the long holidays and reacquaint themselves with their school friends and their petty games. Ready for their new teachers too. The children inform me they wish to ride the bus this year, and if at all possible, do after school care activities with their friends. Ready and willing! Am I able?
Why should I sign them up for after school care when I’m home every afternoon to meet them and make them afternoon tea? Don’t they love me anymore? Don’t they appreciate the effort it takes for me to have them ready for school? I’ll be back to the slog of washing uniforms and packing lunches and nagging about homework and trying to fit a meal between taxi-ing everyone to their extra-curricular activities. I’ll be returning to the morning rush, the ringing phone, the lost shoe or sock (singular - they never disappear in pairs, have you noticed?). Am I ready for this?
Despite the mess and the fights and the declarations of boredom, I love having my kids home for the holidays. I miss them when they’re at school. I wonder if they miss me.
January 20th, 2010 - Posted in personal growth, childhood, nostalgia, community, duty of care, friendship | |
One Response to ' Back to school '
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on January 23rd, 2010 at 6:23 pm
ditto!