My oldest child started big school this year and while she is loving it and fitting in well, no one told me just how much I would miss her.
I think I spent so much time getting ready for the big milestone, buying uniforms, arranging a lunch box and preparing for the first day that I didn’t really stop to think about what my new life without her by my side would be like.
I miss her. Every single day. 
I miss our lunches together. I miss the endless questions. I miss the random declarations of love. I miss chasing the dog and going to the park. I miss taking her to the pool or grabbing a milkshake. I miss the freedom to do a day trip.
What I have realised is that now she belongs to someone else. Between 9 and 3 every day she has to be with someone else and that is really strange.
For five years we spent each and every day exploring the world together. Some days were great adventures, other days were nothing more than snuggles on the couch and cartoons, but they were often the best days.
I know its not just me, her sister misses her madly. She has not known a world without her sister in it every day. She is lost and bored trying to learn how to entertain herself.
I miss hearing her ‘play’ voice, her bossy voice, her laugh.
I have to be honest, I also miss the extra set of hands to help with the baby.
I miss baking together, visiting daddy at work or drawing. I miss our long walks, our trampoline battles and random dance-offs.
Each afternoon she comes home filled with information and stories about what she has learnt that day and what new adventures she has completed. Without me. She is out exploring this big world without her mummy.
I just wish I had known how much I would miss her.
So while I say go forth my little girl into the world for all to see, just remember mummy will always be here at home waiting for you.
the central nest 
I wish I was your friend and had’ve warned you, I warn all my friends. When your kids are home with you, you have control over who they come into contact with and you have the ability to monitor almost everything. But then school comes along, and it opens up a whole big world for them to be part of and explore.
I’m a school teacher and will still remember vividly the day my girl went on her first excursion in Prep. I was filled with dread that I was putting her on a bus with a couple of adults who I was putting in charge of looking out for her, wow, the trust!! It might also help to mention that I work at the school my daughter goes to, so the people I were sending her off to were my friends and colleagues. Ever since then, as a teacher, I think much more about the responsibility I hold on camps and excursions!
Wow thank you for your kind words. I am SO glad I am not the only one! It is just so different not having her here everyday. I can only hope her teacher is as caring as you x
It does get easier as time goes by. There’s nothing like the excitement you see in their eyes as they get off the bus or out of the school gate at the end of the day and spot you waiting!
Thanks Sally x