A Big Hug to All Parents with School Children

Phew! I was totally unprepared for the emotional roller coaster of my elder daughter’s first full week at school, and my younger daughter’s first week at preschool. We started the term full of excitement, happiness, and a little anxiety. As this week wore on, I turned into what can only be described as an emotional wreck! I swung from happy and free, to grumpy and stressed, and eventually I was quite simply exhausted. And I know I am not alone here. All around me are parents in exactly the same position, both mums and dads (and even grandparents and carers I presume).

Why do we do this to ourselves? Why do we sail along in the blissfully ignorant belief that our child will be different, and that our experience will be better than what our parents described, or our peers? I think we are just stubborn. And I also believe that we put too many expectations upon ourselves. For example, I had planned to miraculously start cleaning our house, clearing out all our old toys and craft bits, and still find time to do my professional work. How the heck did I even think to accomplish such a task, when I spent most of the week alternately crying, laughing hysterically, and worrying about my children? Aagghhh!!!

And, relax. Take a deep breath. Ready everyone? Breathe in… 1, 2, 3, 4, 5… Breathe out… 1, 2, 3, 4, 5… Our darlings are safe and supported. We are safe and supported. Everything works out as it is supposed to. We are free to be ourselves. We are allowed to care for ourselves. And in the spirit of self care, I am away now to cuddle my new amethyst crystal lamp, breathe in my incense, and rest. See you later, and big hugs for everyone!

Catherine is the author of the adult paranormal romance series The Redcliffe Novels and also The Darkness of Love, She has short stories published in YA anthologies, freelance articles on various industry websites, and contributes to her personal personal blog, and her author blog .

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