How to say goodbye when your little one's crying at the school gates
Thought you'd had your final teary farewell the last time your little one went back to school or nursery? Think again...
A story in the newspapers earlier this week said it all: a little girl had written a note from "the school company" trying to convince her mum that she had another week off school.
Perhaps she felt compelled to do it because - gulp - the thought of going back to school after such a lovely break seemed too much to bear...
I know the feeling: we all do, right? It hit me half way through watching War And Peace on BBC 1 on Sunday night that the next morning I'd have to be up and dressed and out the door while it was pretty much still dark.
And of course my 4-year-old was probably feeling the same way, having had 3 long and lovely present-filled weeks off.
I got Bodhi Rae in her uniform and on her scooter easily enough but when it came to saying goodbye at morning club the tide most definitely turned.
I had a feeling it would - especially when I saw the line of blotchy red faces in the breakfast queue.
I went to say my usual goodbye, with a kiss and a hug, and got chased out the door by my daughter shouting: "Huggy mummy, huggy!"
But a "huggy" turned into about 5 until I caught the eye of the breakfast club leader who could see my desperation, and distracted my little one by asking her to go help her make the toast.
With that I made a bolt for the door before she could follow me. Harsh I know, but when there's work waiting for you, sometimes needs must.
And a lesson I've learnt since Bodhi Rae's been in nursery is that sometimes the best goodbye is one big squeeze and kiss followed by a lightening speed dash for the exit.
After which I usually want to cry a bit myself, and long for another huggy...
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Authors
Tara is mum to 1 daughter, Bodhi Rae, and has worked as Content Editor and Social Media Producer at MadeForMums since 2015
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