For New Primary 1 Parents

For any parent with a primary 1 child starting school.

"Dear Teacher,

I know you're rather busy, first day back, there's just no time, a whole new class of little ones and this one here is mine.

I'm sure you have things covered and have done this lots before, but my boy is very little, he hasn't long turned four.

In his uniform this morning, he looked so tall and steady, but now beside your great big school I’m not quite sure he’s ready.

Do you help them eat their lunch? Are you quick to soothe their fears? And if he falls and hurts his knee will someone dry his tears?

And what if no-one plays with him? What if someone’s mean? What if two kids have a fight and he’s caught in between?

You’re right, I have to leave now it’s time for him to go I’m sure he’ll learn so much from you, things that I don’t know.

Yes, I’m sure they settle quickly, that he’s fine now without me, I know he has to go to school, it’s just so fast.

You see, it seems like just a blink ago I first held him in my arms, it’s been my job to love, to teach, to keep him safe from harm.

So, when I wave goodbye in a moment and he turns to walk inside, forgive me if I crumple into tears of loss and pride.

I know as I give him one more kiss and watch him walk away, that he’ll never again be wholly mine as he was before today."

THE REPLY:

"Dear Parent,

I understand that you are scared to wave your child goodbye and leave him in a teacher’s hands - don’t worry if you cry!

I’m used to weeping parents, it’s hard to leave I know. But it’s time to share him (just a bit) to help him learn and grow.

Let me reassure you that I’ll give your child my best, I’ll wipe his tears, soothe his fears and change his dirty vest!

If your darling child is full of cold I’ll blow their nose all day, just like you, I’ll care for them in a special way.

I’ll treat him like I would my own I’ll catch him from a fall and if there is ANY problem I’ll be sure to tell you all.

It’s true he’ll grow to love us, they’ll talk of school a lot, it doesn’t mean they hate you and that you should lose the plot!

I’ll tell you a secret... That when your child is here, they talk to me as much of you of this please have no fear.

You’ll always be their mother, whilst teachers come and go, to them you are their number one, this I truly know.

Soon you’ll see some changes, in your little girl or boy, they’ll become more independent and to see this, it’s a joy!

I’ll teach them all I have to give, to share, climb and to write, but to you they safely will return to tuck them in at night."