Well, today was an emotional one. Watching my youngest daughter’s “moving on” ceremony at nursery before she starts primary school in August.
While (disappointingly) there were no miniature caps and gowns, there were plenty of photo opportunities as our little darlings walked over the “moving on bridge” to claim their rolled-up certificates (some of which were instantly deployed as guns or telescopes). And when their little voices broke into a song about “spreading our wings and flying away”, there was definitely some dust in the air that was getting in the parents’ eyes…
Occasions like this always spark mixed emotions. I’m filled with pride at the bright, happy, confident little person she’s become. I know she’s more than ready for school, and it’s a gentle transition as she’s only moving into the adjacent building together with most of her friends. But at the same time, the snuggly baby days are well and truly over, and I couldn’t tell you what happened to the last five years.
I’m also just so grateful we got to be there. Nursery graduation was one of the many casualties of Covid for my eldest – a missed milestone along with sports days, nativities, birthday parties and primary school visits. That said, in pre-pandemic times many mums and dads would have had to request a half-day’s leave to attend an event like this, with all the rushing and juggling that entails. We have lockdown to thank for accelerating the flexible and home working practices that enable parents to fit these priceless moments into our working day.
Five is a fascinating age: you can see real personalities emerge, as children’s understanding of the world evolves and they express themselves so much more clearly (and often, let’s face it, brutally honestly). Watching our “class of 2022” take their next step, you can’t help wondering what they’ll become as they make their way in our strange and increasingly scary world. My daughter’s career ambitions are, variously, ballerina, hairdresser and “scientist who finds out all about colours”. Personally, I think a writing gig might beckon – a natural storyteller, she has a vivid imagination and a way with words. (She recently announced, “I don’t want to learn to read, I just want to be able to write.” Even as I explained why this wasn’t really a viable learning approach, I had to admire her drive to get her ideas down on paper and let nothing stand in her way.)
But for now, we’re taking it day by day as a new phase begins for all of us. New teachers, new friends, new uniforms and, for me, a new direction as I start working for myself. Time to spread those wings and see where we land!
Kate Mounce 