Motherhood is full of milestones you can see coming – the first smile, first steps, first day at preschool. You brace yourself for those, camera at the ready, tissues in your pocket. But no one really tells you about the emotional whirlwind that comes with finishing preschool and stepping into the world of “big school.”

For our little Miss, this is all one big adventure. She’s excited about wearing her uniform, meeting new friends, and carrying her brand-new book bag. She’s bouncing with enthusiasm. But us? The parents? We’re the ones with tears in our eyes, trying not to let them spill at the preschool graduation, and then sobbing quietly at home later because it suddenly feels like our baby is growing up far too fast.

It’s bittersweet. On the one hand, pride – bursting, overwhelming pride – at the confident little person they’re becoming. On the other, a tug in your heart at the last preschool pick-up, the last artwork clutched in tiny hands, the last time they’re part of that early years bubble. These are the moments no one prepares you for.

Their Excitement vs. Our Emotions

The truth is, children are wired to see beginnings. She is focused on the fun ahead – new classrooms, playgrounds to explore, the thrill of being “big” enough for school. We, as parents, often focus on the endings. We notice the lasts, the letting-go moments.

And that’s okay. Parenthood is full of contradictions – you can be thrilled for their next step while quietly mourning the chapter that’s closing. Both feelings can sit side by side.

Tips for Preparing Little Ones for School

If you’ve got a little one about to take this leap, a few small things can make the transition smoother:

• Keep routines steady – familiar bedtimes and morning rhythms bring comfort.

• Practice independence – letting them try putting on shoes, zipping coats, or opening lunchboxes boosts confidence.

• Visit the school beforehand – a walk past or a play in the nearby park helps it feel less unknown.

• Use storybooks – there are some beautiful “starting school” books that help children visualise what’s coming. We love the “colour monster goes to school” and “all are welcome here”

• Talk about the excitement – mirror their enthusiasm and keep conversations positive.

Tips for Parents Managing the Emotions

But what about us? Here are a few gentle reminders for the parents holding back tears at the gates:

• Allow yourself to feel it – this is huge, and it’s okay to be emotional.

• Plan a treat for yourself – coffee with a friend, a walk, or even a quiet moment at home. Our school is offering a “tears a tissues” coffee morning whilst the little ones have their first transition morning.

• Connect with others – most parents are feeling it too, even if they’re hiding it behind sunglasses.

• Reframe it – this isn’t just an ending, it’s the start of an incredible new chapter.

Closing Thoughts

Motherhood is a journey of constant “firsts and lasts.” Each stage feels like it arrives in a heartbeat, and before you know it, you’re waving at the school gates instead of the preschool door. No one really prepares you for how emotional that feels, but maybe that’s the beauty of it – it shows just how much love sits behind every milestone.

So here’s to new beginnings, brave little ones, and parents doing their best to smile through the tears. If your child is about to start school, I’d love to hear how you’re preparing – and if you’ve already been through it, what helped you most? Let’s remind each other that we’re not alone in all these feels. 💛