The uncertainty of a new school year

I didn’t use Vacation Care these holidays. Even though I had work to do. But.. all things considered, it’s worked really well for us. I have to say I’ve loved impromptu playdates, a last-minute holiday in Sydney and PJ days when the weather is rotten.

But Vacation Care or not - here we are with the end approaching and worries are popping up.

For Luca and I.

The uncertainty of a new school year.

I feel the pull to chase Luca’s worries away. We cuddle on the couch and I encourage him to feel his feelings. While really all I want do is take those thoughts away. Have him worry free. Make things perfect for him.

For me as the new school year approaches I catch myself worrying about whether he will like his new teacher.

Will they connect with him.

Will they “get” him.

Will they see his sensitive soul wrapped in a talkative 9 year old body.

And what friends will be in his class?

Will he be disappointed?

Will he be sad?

His sadness and disappointment can be like little daggers to my heart. In reaction, my brain will switch into problem-solving mode.

How can I fix this? How can I take the uncomfortable feelings away?

But there is nothing to solve.

There is nothing I can do.

Decisions of teachers and classes have been made weeks ago and we won’t know the outcomes until the first day of school.

There is nothing to be done…except for extra cuddles on the couch.

And this is hard for us mums who like to problem-solve. I see it with my clients. If THEY are happy and worry free, then WE can be happy and worry free. But it’s not like that. We cannot shield our children from life’s inevitable challenges. But we can love them and hold space for them through it.

Tell me, are you a ‘straight to problem solving’ kind of mum? Or are you good at allowing things to just be?