There are moments in parenting that completely stop you in your tracks, and last week was one of them for me.I had just picked up Nila from her first-ever school residential: 3 days and 2 nights away from home, and honestly, I was lost for words.
Facing a Big Fear
For months leading up to the trip, Nila was full of worry. She didn’t want to go. The idea of staying away from home,away from me, felt crazy to her, and part of me understood that completely as I felt the same
She had never stayed away from me before. Yes, she’d stay with her dad when I went away, but this was different. This was independence on a next level.
So I made a decision that felt tough at the time,I told her the trip was compulsory, hear me out!
It might sound harsh, but deep down I knew this was something she needed. I wanted her to see what she was capable of. I wanted her to realise that fear doesn’t mean you can’t do something.
We packed her bag together, carefully choosing everything she would need. Of course, Bunny came too, her comfort and her little piece of home.
She was a mix of emotions: excited, nervous, unsure, and so was I, even up until the very last night before.
The teachers reassured me that if she became really upset, they would call me. The residential centre was only 10 minutes away, which gave me some comfort,but still, letting go was hard, so hard
While she was away, I found myself constantly checking the school’s Facebook page, hoping to catch a glimpse of her.
When the first photos were posted on Wednesday evening, I completely broke down. There she was, smiling, taking part, thriving!.
I cried my eyes out. Not because I was sad, but because I was so incredibly proud.
Watching Her Grow
Over those few days, I saw Nila rock climbing, doing archery, team building challenges, and making her bed! She embraced every moment, even learning how to make loom bands!
She proved something to herself: she is capable of anything.
Sometimes, as parents, we have to make difficult decisions. We have to push our children gently, but firmly, out of their comfort zones, because on the other side of fear is growth and sometimes you really do have to be cruel to be kind.
I couldn’t be prouder of my little girl. She didn’t just go on a school trip; she discovered her strength, her independence, and her confidence.
My last baby is growing up, I couldnt be prouder
What a proud moment! Nila shows that facing fears can lead to incredible personal growth.
ReplyDeleteOur middle child was exactly the same. She really didn't want to go, but once she was there, she had a fantastic time. When she came back though, she cried so hard and said she missed us so much - it broke my heart at first.
ReplyDeleteThese are so necessary - brilliant that she did so well (and you too). I was nervous every time my children did a trip. My daughter faced a fear of going on a plane and went to Iceland for 3 days with school. It's an awesome thing to do.
ReplyDeleteThis was such a lovely read and really relatable as a parent. It’s funny how the things they don’t want to do at first can end up being the ones they enjoy most.
ReplyDeleteCorinne x
I used to dread school trips but as you rightly said, they helped me "grow" and face my fears and now as an adult, I looooove adventures. School trips are the best.
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing, those can be so important for kids to do. It sounds like she had the most wonderful experience.
ReplyDeleteThat really is how it always goes for kids AND even into adulthood. The things that are hard or that make you nervous are usually the things you need the most.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely thing to see, and it goes to show sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind. It's probably made such an impact on her x
ReplyDeleteThis is surely a proud moment for you as a parent. It'll definitely be helpful for her in the long run.
ReplyDeleteSounds like your daughter had a great time! It's amazing to watch your kid stretch and grow emotionally. It's good to step out of one's comfort zone and do different activities.
ReplyDelete