The children at British systems around the world have now been at school for a few weeks, and we want to share the emotions and thoughts of mothers from around the world who have dropped off their eldest child at school or nursery for the very first time. Samantha Mackey writes a letter to her 4-year old daughter to express her personal emotions of letting go. Samantha, from the UK, lives in London with her husband and is mother to Leah and Dara. She was previously a consultant for Accenture and decided to quit to follow her true passion, to teach. She re-trained as a Primary School teacher, and has raised two magnificent children who have benefited from her teaching background. Now as a parent herself sending her eldest to school she shares her feelings with us mothers who understand the bond, and how difficult it is to let them go.
Samantha has written on Seashellsonthepalm.com previously about how to improve the language skills of your toddlers and young children – read more.
My darling baby girl,
But you are not a baby anymore? Are you? And its never been truer than now, this week, before you start big school on Friday. You are turning into such a charming, kind, funny, strong-minded, affectionate & considerate, fun filled, character and I am so proud of you. We both are. Daddy and I were just saying this evening over dinner how much you have grown up in the last few months. You are a strong girl who knows her mind and you will fight for what you think is right, which is a wonderful characteristic to have in life so i’m very grateful for that. But to coin a phrase, you have come out of your “terrible twos” slowly but surely, in the last few months and what is left behind is just beautiful. You are such a delight to be around, you make me laugh every day and smile all day and you are simply incredible with your brother. You are a better sister to him than I could ever have imagined. You play with him, you pick him up when he falls, you tell him what the rules are, you wrestle with him, you cuddle him. You teach him every day and are so patient with him. You sound out words syllabically to him so he can repeat you, and he does! He looks up to you so much and copies you and follows you around. He calls your name when you’re not there. So thank you Leah Joon. Thank you for being a great big sister.
He starts nursery next week and you have paved the way for him. He’s following your footsteps and going to your old nursery to be with your friends little siblings. And you my love are starting big school. I know that you are going to have a hard time to settle in. I know you are going to cry when I leave you there but I promise you that when you are old enough to read this letter you will have wonderful memories of Bute House. You are going to make wonderful friends and will enjoy learning and having space to learn. You will learn to make great choices and think big in life, to believe in yourself and know that you have our support with whatever path you choose in life. Because you have that character in you. You fight for what you think is right, remember?! Figure out what is right for you and fight for it. Dream big, give it everything you’ve got and you will find happiness in life.
In the meantime, enjoy being 4 and playing and having fun. I’ll be there every step of the way.
I love you to the sun and moon and back
I love you, night night, mchwa
xxx
