As the new school year approaches, I find myself reflecting on the past 12 months with a heart full of gratitude, memories, and a healthy dose of exhaustion. The last school year has been one of many firsts - my daughter's first day at school, her first school trip, her first sports day, and many more. These were not just her firsts, but mine as well, as a first-time school mum navigating this exciting new world.

Reception was a big deal. It's when children begin their journey into education, friendships, and independence. My daughter walked through those school gates, eyes wide open with curiosity and excitement, and maybe a little fear and a "funny feeling in the tummy". And I, too, stepped into something new - this journey of being a "school mum." As it turns out, she handled her transition better than I did more than once, and I couldn't be prouder of her or more humbled myself.

The reception year has been full of recitals, assemblies, sports days, and school trips. Each event was a milestone, not just for the children performing, but for the parents cheering them on from the sidelines, with cameras ready to capture these precious moments, hearts full of pride and sometimes tears in the eyes. It wasn't always easy, with juggling work and emotions, but it was always worth it.

The school provides an excellent structure and support, but behind all those firsts, there was an incredible network of parents quietly making everything run smoothly for everyone. So, dear parents, I thank you.

Thank you to the mums who sent those timely WhatsApp reminders. To the parents with older children who always explained the logistics of school performances and dress-up days. To the ones who organised teacher gifts and donations. To the ones who stepped in on trips and volunteered without hesitation. To the parents who showed up again and again, for their kids and for others.

I've come to see that parenting through the school years is definitely a communal experience. We all bring our own stories and ways of doing things, and yet, we find common ground. We bond over missing cardigans and hair clips, misplaced notebooks and water bottles, and stories of pen-covered uniforms. We find reassurance in each other's confessions about hard mornings, tantrums, and bedtime chaos.

The year also brought moments just for us parents. I went out with other mums for the first time, no children. It felt nice to connect beyond the school gates. We spoke mostly about our little ones, and it was comforting to learn that behind every front door was the same chaos: mess, meltdowns, cuddles, doubts, and love. Another time, we went to a brilliant bingo night, where we all got so competitive, and to a school gala, where we dressed up, danced, and remembered who we were beyond our parenting roles.

And perhaps the most beautiful part? It was watching our children grow and learn beyond the schoolwork. Seeing them build friendships, learn to negotiate and share, hearing them giggle over things we no longer understand, or hearing my daughter talk about a boy in her class (yes, already!). It reminded me how quickly time passes and how much they (and we) are growing. This journey isn't perfect. It's actually very messy, noisy, and full of emotion. It is overwhelming, but also filled with magic, connection, and joy. We've all had our share of tough days, but it's these challenges that make the victories even sweeter.

So, to every parent reading this: Whether this was your first year or your fifth, whether you were part of the PTA or simply showing up, you’ve made a difference. You’ve supported, juggled a million things, and loved fiercely.

Here’s to a new school year filled with growth, laughter, and just the right amount of organised chaos. May we continue to show up for our children and for each other. May we celebrate the little wins, support one another through the tough days, and keep finding comfort in the fact that most of us are figuring this out as we go. We’ve got this!

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