Dear Teacher...

Are you the parent of a little boy or girl about to start primary school?
If your baby (where did those four years go?) is heading off into the big wide world, it can be more difficult for us to accept than it is for them.
Will she get upset on the other side of the school gates? Will he make friends or be sat on his own at lunchtime?
Will the teacher know what to do if he falls over? How will he cope without mummy's magic plasters?
Blogger Emma Robinson captured all these emotions - and more - beautifully in her heart-wrenching poem, Dear Teacher.
 

Leaving your baby with strangers can be tough

I know you're rather busy
First day back, there's just no time
A whole new class of little ones
And this one here is mine

I'm sure you have things covered
And have done this lots before
But my boy is very little
He hasn't long turned four

In his uniform this morning
He looked so tall and steady
But now beside your great big school
I’m not quite sure he’s ready

Do you help them eat their lunch?
Are you quick to soothe their fears?
And if he falls and hurts his knee
Will someone dry his tears?

And what if no-one plays with him?
What if someone’s mean?
What if two kids have a fight
And he’s caught in between?

You’re right, I have to leave now
It’s time for him to go
I’m sure he’ll learn so much from you
Things that I don’t know

Yes, I’m sure they settle quickly
That he’s fine now without me
I know he has to go to school
It’s just so fast, you see

It seems like just a blink ago
I first held him in my arms
It’s been my job to love, to teach
To keep him safe from harm

So, when I wave goodbye in a moment
And he turns to walk inside
Forgive me if I crumple
Into tears of loss and pride

I know as I give him one more kiss
And watch him walk away
That he’ll never again be wholly mine
As he was before today.