6 things Christian parents can do as the very first day of school arrives

The very first day at school is often harder for parents than children. Claire Hailwood helps settle parental nerves

The countdown to the start of the new academic year has begun

The build up to the first day is full of strange feelings and questions:

• People might ask if you feel your child is ’ready’ but you’re not sure I know what ready means!
• Learning the new language and culture of the school compared to whatever came before, amidst new adults each with different stories, backgrounds and experiences. You would be able to help but look around and wonder whose kids will be my child’s friends (and praying they have some).
• The strange way that you feel when you’re with a headteacher even though you’re now an adult and not in trouble!

In the various school starts that we’ve done with our four, here are some things that I’ve learned (and am trying to learn!) 

1. You’ll feel some contradictory feelings and that’s OK

It’s possible (and normal) to simultaneously feel excited for the next phase and grief for the passing of the former! Both are important feelings and OK to feel. Sometimes I’ve longed for them to stay small forever, but then I know I’d miss the opportunity of