Despite reading Actually Mummy's hilarious and very sound advice for parents of new school-starters, we did of course ignore said tips and advice and do our own thing anyway.
In the first few weeks we had fraught mornings, twin ankle-clinging at school drop-off, and some pretty hideous over-tired evenings. By about 3 weeks in, things started to gradually change, and very slowly the fact that the twins were now school-children started to feel more natural, as the children got used to their new routines, and we ours. And now, some 6 weeks down the line, it feels as though they've been going to school forever.
I am so impressed to find that both of them seem to love school as much as the other - this may sound odd, but they are very different in terms of personality and how they learn. L loves to concentrate on a project, and to really feel as though she is doing "real work" (her words, not mine!), yet is surprisingly shy and anxious around other children. H on the other hand, is a total social charmer, but finds concentrating for long periods of time (erm, meal-times, getting dressed, etc!) difficult, and is kept engaged through being captivated and interested in whatever is going on. School has managed to keep my chalk and cheese pair equally enthusiastic and excited about learning - and happy, too.
I won't be so naive as to say, or even think, that we have school sussed, because one thing I do know is that when it comes to parenting, every time you think you have something "in the bag", either the children or life moves the goalposts...but I am pleased and relieved at how well my "babies" have settled in so far.
Oh, and a few other reasons why I know we're all settled into school....
1. The pristine "new uniform just out of the packet" look has long gone. The twins arrive to school in the mornings looking less out of a packet, more out of a hedge.
2. Every single one of their white polo tops now has some kind of stain on it, whether it be pen or paint or grass. But it's Autumn; they have jumpers/cardigans, so that's ok!
3. I have worked out, on the days I do the school pick-ups, that if Mr Bloom's Nursery finishes on CBeebies and Baby M and I are still at home, we'll have to sprint to collect the twins on time. If Mr Bloom is still on when we leave then we have enough time for a nice leisurely walk....
4. Talking of walks, the twins now appear to know the names of almost every primary-school aged child in our village, and as such taking a short walk to the shop is now impossible. We've long had to stop and chat to every grown-up we meet, and now this is extended to every to every child we meet too. Or at the very least, we yell hello..all at foghorn volume, and in stereo, naturally.
5. The children, for the first time, understand the concept of a weekend, and that a weekend means family time. As much as they love going to school, they also look forward to & get excited about weekends. So, if I'm honest, do I.
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