13/08/2026
The first day back at school can be so exciting for some children. 🥹
New clothes, shiny new shoes, a new school bag… and, my personal favourite, all the new stationery! 😂✏️📚
But for some children — and their parents — the first day back is filled with anxiety, dread and a whole lot of emotion.
Today I made a decision.
Things were going to happen on our terms.
I’m incredibly lucky that Ruby’s school have been so supportive and understanding, but I knew today was going to be difficult after being off for 7 weeks.
In the week leading up to today, I kept hearing:
“I don’t want to go back to school.”
The anxiety had already started.
So as 9am got closer and the tears and refusal began, I thought:
I’m not starting this school year with my child being dragged away from me. I’m not doing it.
I also knew the school would be incredibly busy with all the new P1s and their families. I didn’t want Ruby to feel embarrassed or overwhelmed, and I certainly didn’t want her distress or upset any of the little ones starting their very first day of school.
So I called the school.
I explained how she was feeling and asked if I could bring her in later.
And they said yes. ❤️
Those couple of extra hours gave us breathing space.
We got calm.
We got ready without the battles.
We did her hair.
We had time to regulate.
And when it was time to go, Ruby walked into school without tears.
I could see how anxious she still was — the colour literally drains from her face when her anxiety is high — but with the right support, she got through the door.
Tomorrow might be exactly the same.
And you know what?
That’s okay.
Because I would much rather take a little extra time and meet her where she is than start every morning with a completely dysregulated child, which then leaves both of us stressed, upset and exhausted.
Last year was one of the hardest years I’ve ever experienced trying to get Ruby into school, and I know how much it took out of me too.
So if you’re a parent whose child struggles with school…
Please know you are not alone.
Sometimes it can feel like one of the loneliest things in the world when everyone else seems to be walking through the school gates happily while you’re fighting tears, anxiety, refusal and overwhelm.
I see you.
I hear you.
And I get it. ❤️
There is no one-size-fits-all way to get a child into school.
Sometimes we have to slow down, change the plan and meet them where they are.
And that isn’t giving in.
It’s supporting them. 🤍