A Letter to My Daughter Starting Formal School

Dear Aadya,

Where have the last three and a half years gone? You are ready to start formal school soon. It seems like yesterday that you said your first word, learned to walk and amazed us with so many new skills you developed. It was delightful to see you speak new words using your ever-increasing vocabulary with the British accent that you developed courtesy Peppa Pig.  

I still remember the day you were born. That is a story of a day for you, that you like to hear many times, but for Mumma, it is the most beautiful day of her life. Memories of the day when we brought the tiny little thing home are fresh in my mind. You made me doubt everything I did for you because I just wanted to give you the best of everything.

Time Flies

You grew up too soon but I also grew with you. I became a more confident mother and I knew you were there with me always. I saw you getting excited when you learnt something new. The spark in your eyes, when you explored and learnt to use a new toy was the most beautiful. What was most priceless was seeing you jump in joy and run to papa, when he came back home. I know you love him more, but no complaints because you do have a wonderful father and I am blessed to have you both.

Since you were born, a lot of people told me to plan the school I wanted to send you to. And I always said there is a lot of time for that. But, time flies. In no time, you were three and now the decision had to be taken and by God’s grace, we could get you admission to the formal school we wanted you to go to. Baby, you will start a new journey in life very soon and there is something I want to tell you.

(You may like to read, Lessons My Daughter Teaches Me)

The Playschool Years

Till today, school means more fun for you. Your playschool was like a second home where you massis were like Mumma who loved and cared for you. You were in a protected environment where things were done at your pace. I am sure you will always think, that your mother was cruel as she left you there crying. You will never know that she never turned back to look at you because she also had tears in her eyes. It was the first time, she was leaving you alone with someone new and you will never know what she went through then. The first day that you said bye to me and walked to your class, I can never explain to you how I felt. It was as if someone had taken away my precious little thing from me. But when you came running to me when I came to pick you up, I knew you were mine and will always be.

(You may like to read our post, First Day of School: A Confused Mother)

The last one year in Pallavan has been amazing. It surprised me to see how much you learned without any effort. I have a lot of respect for your teachers. They gradually worked with you to overcome your inhibitions of touching paint and playing with sand. You are more confident and happier to explore things. We went through our phases of tantrums and behavioral issues, but we waded through them all.

A New Journey

You will soon be starting a formal school baby. This is a new journey and you will be on your own soon with all my love, care, and support. The preschool years are over and I am nervous and excited for you. Now when I look back, I want to tell the new mother that there was no need to be perfect and it is ok to be scared and overwhelmed. And that is something I need you to learn too. You are a beautiful child and there is no need to be perfect. We all have are our positives and negatives, and we need to accept that.

You will be away from me and less protected and you will learn to be more independent. Always keep in mind that your grades will never judge the love mummy and papa have for you. Just remember,

• If we ever tell you to do better it will be because we want you to give your best.
• You cannot be best at everything, but learn to be responsible and try and do it in the best possible way, without running away.
• Believe in yourself, and work for what you want.
• Learn to take things in your stride and do not get hassled when things do not go as planned.
• Learn to learn and not learn to get grades. And remember, learning will not stop once you leave school as that is something you will have to do always and should do.
• The most important thing you will learn in school will be to be with people. Respect everyone around you and learn to win and lose graciously.
• Your teachers in your formal school will push you beyond your limits sometimes, but that is because they will see the potential in you so there is no harm in trying.
• Last but not least, learn to take breaks and relax. Slow down and introspect, and this will rejuvenate you to take on the world.

The next 14 years of formal school will come with own their own highs and lows. There will be lots to explore and learn. You will learn to do hard things and stand up for yourself and your friends. Friends you make in school are the life-long relations you develop and friends make life beautiful. You will go through your phases of crushes and feelings of liking someone. There will be days when you think you have the worst parents ever. But, always remember home is your safe place and when you look back and need anyone, Mumma and papa will be there to support you in any way you want and they can. We will always try our best to make sure home is where you can be yourself.

We are proud of you, and never forget, we loved you even before you were born. There is nothing more precious to both of us than you, my baby.

Love,

Mummy 

You may like to read:

Tips for First Day of School

http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/apr12/vol69/num07/The-Most-Important-Thing-You-Learned-in-School.aspx

https://www.fantasticfunandlearning.com/teachers-teach-much-academics.html

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