It's the last week of school for my eldest. Together we've had a journey of thirteen years of school. This week is parties, farewells and graduation. Then in a few weeks the exam and formal.
And then no more. Ever.
I'm very excited at all the change ahead. Be it work or university, the new friends, the new lifestyle. (Hopefully a bit more help around the house??)
Suddenly there's a new adult in the house. I'm not too stressed about the exams, even though she may not get the marks she's after. I figure she'll get into something and can always move on from there if she needs to.
My middle child chided me with an irritated "You know I still have to go to school next term?" when I spoke merrily of school year being over - it does feel like it is for me! But then it hit me. I may have voyaged thirteen years of school with one kid, but I have another eight more years in playgrounds and assemblies to go. The reminding of assignments, the coaxing to study, the 'do you have your...' before they walk out the door. It makes me tired at the tediousness of it all.
My enthusiastic celebration is slightly tainted with the thought that I have to do it all again and again long into the future. I'll have spent 21 years of my life as a school parent.
Yet I should consider myself very lucky that I do get to do just that and treasure those fleeting moments for in a blink of an eye, I'll be at my very last graduation and then my children will be gone, replaced by adults with their own lives and families.
I hope when my youngest is in his final year, that I will be equally happy and excited at closing that door. I hope I won't be sad and feel loss, as some people do. I hope I'll be able to revel at the prospect of his future finally on the horizon.
So for those in their HSC year, my advice is to just enjoy it. This is the fun time, not to be spoiled with worries of marks (because realistically, you will sit the exams and you get what you get - worrying won't help at all. Study in the next few weeks, of course, but don't mar the next few days with stress). There are great new adventures to come, regardless as to whether you get the mark you wanted or needed. These last days of school are probably the most carefree you will ever be.
Make the most of them.
Your life is just beginning!
Linking with #KCACOLS #StayClassyMama and #MummyMondays
My eldest is completing Year 12 this year too and it's the end of an era. I also have my youngest completing primary school so I am going to be a basket case at the end of the year.
ReplyDeleteIt's such an exciting time. I hadn't expected it to be as fun (the promise of what's to come) and exciting. As for leaving primary, they're starting high school, and becoming their own people. That's a pretty exciting time too! No need to be sad!
DeleteAnd good luck to your eldest! May they get what they need.
DeleteWhat a great attitude you have - you're kids are lucky to call you mum! It's the ending of one chapter for your eldest but it's the beginning of a new one and that's always exciting, right?!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to go back to Uni. I'm so excited, vicariously!
DeleteMy daughter left school this year and has just started uni (we are in the U.K.) and this post is so positive. Ending of a chapter......#dreamteam
ReplyDeleteOh dear - I hope you don't mean I shouldn't be positive?? Now I'm nervous! (Just kidding! ;)
DeleteLydia,
ReplyDeleteI home-schooled our three kids and with each graduation I was overwhelmed with a bittersweet essence of closing that chapter in my life. In retrospect I wish I had the wisdom to not be overcome by the anxiety of the 24/7 duties of a SAHM & home-educator. I tend to look back through the muck and only see the good times which is what any of do. It's best that way and keeps us sane. I often find myself wishing for one more day with a house full of kids underfoot and making me pull my hair out but then I settle back enjoying where I am now. Letting go is a process and hopefully one that everyone eventually embraces; mostly the parents find it harder than the kids. lol Best of luck to your oldest new life pursuits whatever she takes on! Thanks for visiting yesterday!
I'm getting really worried I'm missing something. So many people are sad about it. I just think the only reason we've been doing all this for the last 13 years is for today (actually, tomorrow!). School makes you sociable and knowledgeable and allows you to age to become an adult, but the real stuff starts now and that's the fun part. I'm just so excited for her. But a lot of my friends are more the closing a chapter feeling. I know I'll be that when she moves out, but for now I'm just thrilled at the prospect of opening a whole new book! (to go with the analogy)
Delete13 years!! That's so long. I'm at the opposite end of the journey with my starting reception and I'm feeling all the emotions, I actually think I'll be worse when he finishes. Hugs for you and congrats to your eldest. #StayClassyMama
ReplyDeleteNot as long as 21 years!! Oh my goodness! I was not thinking!
Deletea big change ahead, one of mine has just started University, moving out away from home living independently is a huge step. Hope your eldest enjoys the next stage, whatever that is. #KCACOLS
ReplyDeleteMy oldest just started school this year. So I am just beginning this journey. #KCACOLS
ReplyDeleteI love your attitude to the exams ahead and to the adventures that lay beyond - it's relaxed and realistic. I still have a few more years before my eldest gets to Year 12 (he's in Year 9 next year) but I do have two others behind him. I've just calculated that I'll be a school mum for 20 years by the end of it all. That's a LONG time to make lunches, help with homework and remind them of all the things....I feel the pain of your realisation!
ReplyDeleteIt's a long time for lunches! A friend said we should take a photo of the lunch boxes lined up for every lunch we made - about 6000 or something for the 3 kids...that's an art installation for sure
DeleteWe were in Queensland last week and my daughters were talking about going to university there which made me realise, it's really not that far away! Well, still years, but it can go fast.
ReplyDeleteMy eldest is in his last year of secondary school and my youngest is to start school next year. It a milestone in life, there will be many more to come
ReplyDeleteI love this glimpse into the future. I will be in the primary school playground for years yet. Thanks for being on the #DreamTeam
ReplyDeleteYou're both entering a new phase in life - congrats!
ReplyDeleteIt's weird having another adult in the house. One that you still want to parent but have to also stand back a bit. Congrats to your eldest on this huge milestone!
ReplyDeleteIt's the learning to zip it that I find hard (but I guess you already knew that about me ;)
DeleteAt the sports day for my daughter back in July I realised it was only the 4th out of 9 at infant school that I have been to: lots more to go (and junior school, and secondary school....) Thanks for linking up with #stayclassymama
ReplyDeleteIt goes so fast doesnt it. nice that you still have many years ahead. and new chapters with your eldest. we just started year one so very much at the beginning of our school journey. Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time!
ReplyDeleteWith having just the one, all of the firsts are also the lasts! And already I can see year 6 looming... the bittersweet taste of being a parent! #kcacols
ReplyDeleteOh wow, 21 years as a school parent, it sounds too long for me! I didn’t even manage 2 years before opting for home education instead lol x
ReplyDelete#KCACOLS