Lessons I’ve learned
My daughter’s big, bright blue eyes sparkled. “I did it, Mummy,” she said as I plonked my weary bones down onto the beanbag next to her after a long, long day at work. Layne had finally conquered the vertical rope on her daycare’s play equipment, climbing all the way to the top. She had watched her friends climb it for what seems like an eternity, but with only a few days left of daycare, and with the good advice of one of her little male mates, she had finally mastered it herself. It had taken more than a year of trying. Despite having spent time with the Prime Minister Scott Morrison that day, I can tell you her news trumped the Federal Government’s $60 million funding announcement for the Cairns university hospital plan. As I watched her prove it to me the next morning I couldn’t help but be proud of her determination and persistence all of which paid off just in time.
Layne, like many thousands of other Far North children, will go to school for the first time next week.
It’s new territory for her and her parents.
Since becoming a parent I’ve learned many things and am preparing for even more lessons.
Here are some things I’ve discovered so far ...
* Breast is best but for all others who struggle or can’t, it’s not the end of the world. So move on, guilt-free.
* Swaddle suits are the best invention. EVER.
* Praise loved ones for their preloved donations. There is no need for a complete wardrobe for the first five years of their lives because they grow so fast.
* Reading with your child every day is one of the best things you can do for them. And you.
* Joy and laughter can come from the most mundane chores. Who says poo and bums aren’t funny?
* Forcing vegetables down a child’s throat will only mean more vacuuming for you. Better to hide them in food and stick with their favourites until they’re ready to experiment. I nearly fell over this week when Layne asked to try lettuce.
* Daycare is expensive and the start of school is going to be, like, AMAZING for the bank balance.
* Daycare staff are AMAZING. What precious humans they are.
* The thought of going to school is so much more exciting as a parent than it was as a child.
* Equally it makes you feel old because there are no more blackboards and a real bell to tell you school’s in (and out). Don’t forget the iPad ...
* Your child’s teacher is the new most important person in your life.
* A purple lunchbox and glorious backpack are essential school items.
* Shares in Kleenex are necessary as your little baby begins yet another chapter in their lives.
THE THOUGHT OF GOING TO SCHOOL IS SO MUCH MORE EXCITING AS A PARENT THAN IT WAS AS A CHILD. EQUALLY IT MAKES YOU FEEL OLD BECAUSE THERE ARE NO MORE BLACKBOARDS AND A REAL BELL TO TELL YOU SCHOOL’S IN.