IJ calmly announced this morning that she didn’t need me anymore.
She didn’t need me to take her hand, carry her lunchbox and walk with her through the school playground to the spot where she lines up with her friends.
She is able to do this on her own now because she is a grown-up. So all she needed me to do was drop her off at the school gate, turn around and go home.
So I did exactly that.
Sort of.
I dropped her off at the school gate, watched her walk through them, turned around and walked away.
I then walked down the road, through the car park and all the way round the perimeter fence until I was back where I started, at the school gate. There I took up my position, standing behind a tree.
From there I watched her chatting with her friends and when the bell rang I watched her line up and walk through the door of the school, safe and sound. Then I turned and walked away but not before I’d glanced across at several parents doing exactly the same thing.
Tomorrow we’ll be doing the same. And possibly for at least a year after that.
Bless her! My daughter announced that too at the start of the school year. Apparently 'it's embarassing' to have your mum come to the classroom with you!!
Posted by: Nadine Hill | June 13, 2011 at 10:33 AM
Yes, I get the impression I am cramping her style a little!
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | June 13, 2011 at 10:34 AM
Ah I feel your pain. When we first moved over here it was the worst thing ever watching them get on a bus while I stood and watched (and all those scenarios about them not getting to the school the other end and being lost forever in Cavan town were whirling through my head...). If we didn't worry we'd be crap parents, I reckon x
Posted by: English Mum | June 13, 2011 at 11:20 AM
You'll always be the first person she'll run back to when there is a problem. Hope you're feeling proud that she's learning to be her own person. So grown-up, can't imagine it, but from what I've read above it will happen all too quickly.
Posted by: angelsandurchinsblog | June 13, 2011 at 12:02 PM
It's normal to worry, you're right. I just have to see her walk through that door for peace of mind. Must be even harder to watch them go off on a bus on their own. I've got that to come. Eek!
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | June 13, 2011 at 12:22 PM
Once they start becoming independent they do seem to grow up very quickly. But yes, I am incredibly proud she is learning to be her own person. When we argue I'm secretly pleased as well that she is developing her own mind. It's all positive really.
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | June 13, 2011 at 12:23 PM
Aww bless you... I am dreading that moment when I will no longer be needed... But that's good news, she is confident enough to do it x
Posted by: Peggy | June 13, 2011 at 04:10 PM
Ah yes, been there done that, especially the hiding behind a tree bit.
But you should be proud that you've raised a little girl who is confident and taking those first steps towards independence, and that's all down to you. x
Posted by: notSupermum | June 13, 2011 at 08:58 PM
It was sort of inevitable - once you can shop like that (re: your Silent Sunday yesterday) who needs to be taken into school? I hope you've bought a subscription to your tree for the season ;)
Posted by: Midlife Singlemum | June 14, 2011 at 07:30 AM
Very true. I'd be worrying more if she was clingy and quiet. I feel better about it now. x
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | June 14, 2011 at 02:21 PM
Thank you notSupermum. I hadn't thought of it like that before. It is down to me that she has this level of confidence. You know, I think I've done a good job. Thanks for the reminder. x
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | June 14, 2011 at 02:44 PM
You're right. Anyone who can shop like that really knows their own mind and is very independent!!
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | June 14, 2011 at 02:45 PM