To my daughters nursery class teacher

19th July 2019 Letters to my children, Personal

And just like that it is the end of the school year. Last September I handed over to you one of the most precious things in my life. My first-born child.

She was ready but I wasn’t. I worried who would be there to hold her hand when she was afraid. Who would give her a cuddle if she was sad? Who would recognise the signs that she was struggling and try and help? Who would soothe her temper and build her confidence? The answer was you.

And for that I will be forever grateful.

Last September I handed over to you a headstrong little girl who had a temper and knew her own mind. However, I also handed over a little girl who struggled with confidence and was – at times – incredibly shy. You always worry if you’ve made the right choice for your child when it comes to choosing a school. In your classroom though, she has blossomed.

Gone is that little girl who cried for weeks, clutching on to your hand in the school yard as I looked on, fighting back tears myself. In her place is a quietly confident child who skips into school, eager to know what the day has in store for her.

I have watched from the side lines as her confidence has grown and her skills have developed, and you have been a huge part of that. You have provided her with an introduction to education that has sparked her creativity and provided a foundation that will last her entire life. For that, I just want to thank you.

Thank you for every cuddle you have given without hesitation.

Thank you for your patience when her temper exploded time and time again.

Thank you for your understanding when she refused to perform the moment there was an audience.

Thank you for your support in recognising that sometimes things need to be on her terms.

Thank you for recognising how big a deal those small achievements have been for her.

I am incredibly proud of the girl she is becoming. Her quiet confidence, kind heart and loving nature have all bloomed in your care. They say it takes a village to raise a family, and I am so proud to have had you a part of mine.

So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you again.

Next year, I hand over my other precious child to you. A very different child to his sister and his journey will be his own. This time though, I do so with confidence. Knowing he is being handed over to someone who will help him grow.