The Dad Guide to Starting School

My child is starting school & my wife is a wreck – what can I do to support her?

First try to put yourself in her shoes – for the last 4-5 years she has been 24-7 with this child and now they are about to ‘leave’ for school. This is the start of a new era in her life (even more so if it is your youngest starting school) and she needs time to adjust. For some women there will be sense of relief & freedom but for most there is also a sense of loss. Take time to listen to her, talk through the changes & how she will manage them. She may be considering returning to work, enjoying some ‘me’ time, going slightly crazy in the house on her own all day, or having another baby...be there to listen & make these decisions together!

If you can, take time off during the first week of school to both be with your child (take and/or meet them from school) but also spend time with your wife. As your children go off to school & ‘move on’ this is also time for your relationship to develop as you will soon have a lot more time to spend together.

Support her in building relationships with other Mum’s – give her time to go out with them without the children & develop these friendships. They will be important both for her & for your children as they move through the school system.