Dear Lamb,
So you’ve finished your first year at school.
That’s it. Reception is over. Can you believe it?
Things began a little rocky. Well, very rocky. But nothing we didn’t expect.
You see, you’re a unique little fella. You’re shy, quiet, a little nervous. You hide behind me when you’re feeling anxious. You cry when I leave you in unfamiliar places. Hell, you cry when I leave you at Grandmas!
But you’re YOU and we expected nothing but tears on your first day. And you didn’t disappoint.
We had tears until Christmas. I did my best not to get frustrated with you and remind myself that you were just being YOU.
A little boy who just loves being with mummy and daddy and doesn’t like to leave them.
But then, to our surprise, the Christmas holidays came and went, and you changed.
The first day back I expected more tears. I was prepared. I knew what was coming.
But guess what?
You surprised us all. Me, your dad, your teachers.
You didn’t cry. You practically skipped into school.
I know, I was shocked too.
Fast forward to the end of your Reception year and you continued to surprise us.
You began working harder. Trying harder. Wanting to achieve more.
Although you were reluctant, you started to read with us. You moved up a level before the end of the year and I was so proud. That was my only hope for you from the year. That you would read more.
You’ve made friends. You’re loved.
You make people laugh and smile. You’ve grown. You have confidence.
I’ve seen it with my own eyes when I come in to help.
All we wanted was you to be happy at school. We knew you’d struggle, we knew you’d cry.
But what we got was more than we could ever dream of.
A little boy with lots of friends trying his best.
And to top it off, like we weren’t proud enough, at the end of the school year you were awarded the school award!
Your teacher said the most wonderful things about you. You stood up proud, albeit a little shellshocked, and shook the headmasters hand as you received your award.
YOU got the school award! Something you’ve wanted for such a long time.
“How do I get the award mummy?”
My little shy wallflower. The boy who’s too scared to put his hand up in class, who spent 3 months crying at drop off. You got the school award in your RECEPTION year.
Your first year at school has taught me so much.
It was your first year, but it was my first year too – as a school mum.
You’ve taught me I don’t need to push you too hard. You can do this in your own time, in your own way.
The tears don’t matter. The shyness doesn’t matter.
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