Last updated on November 19th, 2023 at 12:25 am
This month is so different for us on so many levels. We have had a lot of changes with my two toddlers starting school and nursery. This means they have been separated more than ever before. I wasn’t sure how they would cope apart after being inseparable for the past two years now.
B has done amazing going to big kid school and we are so very proud of him. He is very uniform proud and ready each morning to start his school day all over again and again. I love it. MM is devastated she doesn’t have a uniform to match her brother’s. We have always been fare and bought them all the same things and I think it was new for her to try to understand why he got something new and she didn’t. I am not going to lie it was an emotional week for me too watching my eldest start school and I am not sure if MM is reading into my own emotions or if it’s truly her own emotions getting the best of her. She does not like her brother in school all day at all.
It starts in the mornings as soon as she sees him putting on his uniform and not his normal clothes. She asks him over and over, “brother go to school?” not wanting the answer and then cries, “me go too”. She just wants to be with him and see what he is up to. Then we make it to the school gates, just, before she starts crying all over again. I feel so bad for her. I don’t actually know who I am more emotional over B starting school and not being around during the week or MM losing her playmate, partner in crime and best friend. She truly acts like she lost her arm. I can’t count the endless questions I have of when we are picking her brother up during the day. It’s almost exhausting. She seems lonely. We have tried to fill our days with fun adventures to keep her busy and enjoying time one on one with Mommy. Sadly, I do have to work and her and B used to play lovely in the mornings together so I could work and now she is having to learn to independent play which is good for her but makes me feel the worse guilt I have ever felt.
MM started nursery two days a week too so that I could get most of my work done in this time and have more quality time to spend together. She isn’t liking that much either. There are so many changes going on for us, I think she is having a hard time understanding them. I have never felt mom-guilt like it in my life. I know she will be fine and yes, she will get used to it. It’s just takes time finding our new routine and settling in it, together. 
I was worried that their separation would change their sibling bond they have. I didn’t want their closeness to change after not being with each other all day, every day. That would be my biggest fear is that they didn’t stay connected like their were before school starts. I couldn’t have been more wrong. From the moment B started school he has been there running for his sister arms open to hug her every day after school. They both sit in the back of the car telling each other about their days. What B learned in school and MM about her music, swimming and gymnastic classes. They are just as close and now just have way more things to talk about. They continue to play and entertain each other every day after school. I think maybe separation does do them good at this age. MM is starting to have to make decisions on her own instead of copying what her brother wants, does, or likes. They are becoming their own individual person and coming together to share it. It’s a lovely thing to watch how this new stage in our lives affects each of us differently. They still have so much fun and love to share, together.
This month, they both learned how to ride their bikes solo at the same time. While they have an age gap lately it seems there isn’t much of one there. MM is learning to keep up with her brother and do the big kid things he is starting to do. I wonder if that’s a girl thing or a second child thing or both? We were blown away MM racing B on her cousin’s bike the other day and actually beating him. Shhh, don’t tell him until he is older his younger sister is faster than him. B really cheered her on and encouraged her to do what he was doing which I think is the only reason she even got on the bike in the first place. We were proud of them both and impressed with their team efforts to help each other learn. It’s becoming a new routine for us getting home from school, having a snack and running outside and bike racing on our street if the weather permits us, until dinner time. 
It’s been an emotional month for all of us and of course what comes with starting school and nursery are colds. We are full of them now but carrying it on with a smile. New routines are coming into place and the kids are finding their new separate time apart different but braving it. I am so relieved that they remain the best friends and hope it long continues.
Linking up to DearBeautiful for #Siblings
September has been such a big month for you, the photos are lovely #siblings
Ahh thank you so much Carol. That’s very sweet of you. So much to celebrate.
Awww they are so sweet together. I think their bond will just strengthen even more with the time apart as they’ll relish the time they do have together a lot more.
I really hope so and it looks like they just have more to share now and I love that. Our bike races have become a big part of our everyday after school activities now too. They love it.
I hope MM gets used to being apart from her brother soon. Little Man has coped quite well with LP going to school and I know he would love to go too if he could! B sounds so grown up. That photo of them both riding their bikes is just gorgeous! x
Me too Donna, it would make things easier. lol Glad to hear your little man is coping with the separation. Thanks Donna we love our afternoon bike rides now.
Oh poor love that must have been a tough week to MM and there just isn’t that much you can say to prepare them is there. Hopefully she’ll start to find her groove soon but the one thing you can be certain of is that these two are utterly and wonderfully inseparable!!
It’s been tough on us all I think. Emotions running high, exhaustion setting in, getting up earlier and so many changes hopefully it all balances out soon. Thanks Carie.
Aw bless them, it must be a huge adjustment for them both as they are so close. You are completely right though, when they settle into the new routine it will all work out, and before you know it they’ll be at school together!
It’s an adjustment for us all I think and so many emotions and less sleep we will get the swing of it soon I hope. But going great too no complaints B loves school and that really helps.
Bless MM, its so hard right now with so many changes happening all at once, I hope the next month is much much easier on her as everyone settles into a new routine. We are going through a bit of emotional turmoil just like this with my parents included too as they used to see Z most of the week and will now only see him at weekends.
Next month I bet will be a whole new ball game and they will have started so many extra curricular activities I might be the stressed out one instead hahahah Looking forward to our new routines and way of life as school parents. EEK
AW *hugs* Change can be tough. What a special and sweet relationship they have. Hope things get easier soon and they stay close x
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Thank you darling. They really do and I am so grateful for it and that they have each other always.
What an emotional roller-coaster for you! Such big milestones. As someone who has left a screaming child at playgroup, I can say it does get better. Soon she’ll be running in without so much as a “bye mummy”. Hang in there. Those pig tails are so cute 🙂 #Sharewithme
It really has both big milestones of happy emotions and mom guilt sad emotions all at once. Guess that’s what we get having two tots close in age they experience so much at the same time. I love her in pigtails. 🙂 Thank you.
Oh love I can imagine how you felt. It is hard going through all of this but I’m glad things are looking that are going to a great direction. Well done for your kids to start riding a bike. Great that it was at the same time! Thanks for hosting lovely!! 🙂 x
They are heading in the right direction for sure it just takes time to adjust doesn’t it? Life just goes so quickly and I can’t believe B is now a school boy and MM is going to nursery and I am working fulltime and so much has changed for us lately.
It is quite a transition. It is hard for eldest getting used to school and knowing their sibling has more time with Mum. But it is hard for the one at home to see the eldest go off and not be there. However the change brings new growth as you have already spotted. It all gets easier with time. Kirsten
It’s a big transition for sure but we are finding our new routines and the kids are settling just a little better well b is great but MM is still getting there. I are so excited for this next chapter though.
September is a time of huge change for lots of families. It sounds like your two are adjusting well to it all #sharewithme
Thank you Tracey, we are all getting to find our way and new routines together. We are loving our one on one time together too as we never really had that before with MM.
Aw, it made me really sad for MM reading about how she misses her brother. It must be so strange for them when they have been together so much before. I don’t feel it as much with Becky, as she and Alex have been at the same nursery, but different rooms, and we still drop off Alex there together, so not that much has changed for them, they weren’t together all the time.. It must be a huge transition for your little ones, but it looks like they are adapting brilliantly and that their bond is even closer, which is really lovely! x
It was awful the first week and slightly better the second. I think she is getting to realize he is coming back and by time she wakes up from her nap we go pick him up so it’s getting easier, a little. She still asks for him 24/7 bless her. It’s like she really lost her best friend. B is loving it but asking when his sister can join him. lol I love their after school chats. It’s hilarious.
It is always hardest for the one who is left behind. Mine youngest is the same. Even though his big brother is now in P2, they had so much fun together over the summer, the separation has been difficult. I hope things improve for you.
I never thought of it until it happened and it really does affect the little ones left behind to get on playing daily without anyone. I love their after school playing though it’s bittersweet.
Wow what a big week for you all round! So many changes…hope you all enjoy this new exciting time Jenny! #sharewithme
We are and just getting to grips with our new routines and loving our one on one time together too while B is in school.
It’s so sweet how they play together. It’s amazing how the younger one will do things at the same time as the older one. It was so hard on my kiddies last year when school started & they were apart. Thanks so much for hosting #ShareWithMe x
Yes here too. MM hates that she doesn’t go to school with her brother bless her. But I think she will adapt it won’t be long until she is right behind him. 🙂
It is such a huge adjustment for everyone isn’t it? I remember those days so clearly. Mine are older now and there seems to be regular times when we are trying to adjust to the next stage. I have four children and it doesn’t get any easier with the fourth! It is great that your two are so close. I love the beautiful photos 🙂 #Sharewithme
Love these photos especially the bike one. It is such a big change, I really had not thought how much it would impact all our family so I really understand this post.
Hope MM settles with the changes soon xxx
Thanks Kara so sweet of you. It really impacted us all in different ways doesn’t it? I didn’t realize until we were experiencing it. MM still is upset here and there in time though we will find our new routines.
Change is so stressful for mums as well as children isn’t it ? It will just take some time for her to adjust, I know my youngest found nursery difficult to adjust too. It is lovely they are such good friends.
It really can get stressed or just overwhelming with emotions for us all but in time I think we will adapt and get a routine down. Thank you.
We have an ear infection here already! But that is prob from swimming. Mum guilt is never ending! You are doing a fantastic job, just remember that. xx
Oh no bless you. It comes home quickly from everyone sharing doesn’t it? Hope feels better soon. I dont think we ever get rid of mom guilt forever it’s always one thing after another.
Wow! A lot of milestones in one month! I can understand the adjustment. It’s lovely that both of them get a long so well and despite the separation with school and nursery, they still manage to do things together. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos and for hosting us this week. Have a great rest of the day! #sharewithme
It really was a lot going on in one month. It took some time to get used to and figure out our new way of life all has changed. but loving this next chapter together. Thanks for joining in.
I have a similar age gap between mine, and I remember when the eldest went to school my little one was a little lost. He used to give her massive cuddles when she came out of school. I hope she settles into her new routine soon xxxx
It really does feel like she is lost and I feel awful for her. I tell her all the time we are only without him just until her nap so it doesn’t seem like all day as we pick him right up when she wakes. 🙂 Its lovely they are so close though isn’t it?
oh bless them, reading this I wish id had my boys closer in age, I hope LM feels better soon about not having her brother around in the day. Half term will be here soon. #sharewithme
Yes I think she will love half term and get so excited to have her playmate back. Thank you.
Your kids have such an amazing bond, I truly can’t imagine this, or anything else, coming between them! Thanks for hosting #sharewithme
Debbie
Thank you, they really do and I am so grateful for it. My own brother and I are really close even now and I hope they are the same.
Such huge changes for everyone to get used to Jenny. Lovely that they are still enjoying their time together after school though and it sounds like you are keeping MM busy! #sharewithme
Yes we have lots of classes on the days she is home and she is getting a little better at nursery which helps. So slowly but surely finding our new way. 🙂
September has been a big month for you. I can relate a little as the wee girl has started preschool, so there have been big changes for us too. We will get used to it, but I think it’s going to take a little time. Sending love x
Oh bless you, lots of changes for some many of us. We will find our routines though it’s just getting used to it all isn’t it?
Aww poor little MM – hope she settles in soon! They look like they’ve both done brilliantly with their bikes. #sharewithme
They did so well together on their bikes it was so cute. MM really surprised me being almost two years younger. She is like that though catches her brother up all the time. lol
I’d never really considered how one sibling going to school would affect somebody who works from home, but it must be tough when you’ve been used to them entertaining each other to have to now try to entertain and get your work done at the same time. I’m sure you’ll adjust soon. Thanks for hosting. x
Yes I didn’t think about it either until it happened. lol Now just trying to juggle that as I hate the thought of her just playing solo all the time. Bless her. We will all get used to it and find our way soon. Thanks.
Super cute photos! Oh it must be so hard as a child to suddenly spend loads of time away from your sibling and not really understand why. That’s so lovely though that they come together at the end of their days and tell each other about what they have done! xx #sharewithme
The 2 of them are always so cute together and get on great. It is amazing what great photos you always capture of them. I haven’t started the sibling series yet because Matthew is yet to come around and play with Chloe. She is only 7 months old so isn’t interested in her that much to be honest. #sharewithme
My two were the same until MM starting walking. It will come and they will play so lovely together. It’s a lovely thing to watch siblings bonding.
Awww they are so super cute. Lovely hearing about them.
Aw, sweet babies! I hope your little girl gets used to the changes soon!. Your kids are adorable! Linking up for the first time to #sharewithme. Thanks for hosting!
Thank you Katie. She still is struggling I think it will take her time. Hopefully…. sooner rather than later. 🙂
such a huge change when one starts school but it sounds like it is all working out perfectly
Sorry about the mom-guilt, but it sounds like you’re right and that really is great for them! It’s sweet that it’s helping them really appreciate each other, even though it sounds like they already did! So you must have been doing things right all along and I’m sure this is just right for this time in their lives as well. Like you said, becoming their own people, but still have a great sibling friendship. Success! 🙂
Thanks Lolly, its tough with the mom guilt for sure but in time we will all get used to the new routines and then MM will start and the emotions will all come back lol
What an emotional month for you. Lovely photos as always 🙂 #sharewithme
It really has been so up and down emotions lately. Thank you darling.
Ah how wonderful! Such a cute photo #Sharewithme
Thanks hunny, its a favorite.
It’s all so emotional isn’t it Jenny? And so hard for us Mamas to watch. That one of them snuggling up and smiling is just the cutest photo ever. Such a pair of beautiful siblings. x
It really is I can’t get over it. I think I am in denial still if that’s possible. lol It takes some getting used to. Thanks hunny I was so relieved they are still so lovely and happy to see each other. That one is my screen savor.
Awww how sweet that even though there are new changes, they are still so close. They must have a very secure bond. I love it that they hug each other after school 🙂 #sharewithme
I was so worried about it at first but it great they have a daily chat together. He never tells me anything hahaha
Aww bless! sounds like you have had a busy and emotional September! As I have only 1, it had never occurred to me that obviously siblings spend a lot of time together for the first few years of their life and they ultimately get separated when one goes off to school! I really felt for your 2 while reading your post and I sympathise with your colds as we started back at baby groups on Friday and by sunday we were full of cold too! Hopefully you all feel better soon 🙂
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It’s such a big change for all of you – you included. It is difficult to find time for blogging if your child is not entertained.
I am sure MM will settle into nursery soon, as you say new routines need time to be accepted.
I hope you’ll all get over the colds soon and that there aren’t many in store.
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I hope you are right she hates it. Thanks hunny just typical isn’t it? I hope you are right.
It’s so lovely that they chat about their days. It must help them feel closer….and you get the benefit of hearing about B’s days at school. I know I’d like to hear more but just don’t get much at all.
I’m sure MM will get to enjoy more independence and nursery once she gets into it. I guess it’s just keeping explaining to her what she’ll get from it and what she’ll be doing, and it’ll sink in in the end.
It was like two old couple without being weird. lol It was lovely though because he never tells me anything hahaha I tried getting his daily break down I barely get played and ate lunch. 🙂
September has been full on! It’s good hear that B is settling into school. Hopefully MM will soon adjust to the changes and start enjoying nursery. These are big changes for such small people! #sharewithme
Wow it looks like its been a big week for your family. It’s amazing they both learnt to ride their bikes at the same time regardless of the age gap. Hopefully they will get used to being apart for a little bit soon. #sharewithme
It really has been a lot of big milestones passing through this house this month. It was a such a great surprise. They have seem to be doing everything the exact time together. I think it’s girls are more advanced than boys so in that sense they are same age.
Aww lovely, it’s always hard when things change, bless them. It’s so sweet that they learnt to ride their bikes together. I love the photo of them both on their bikes. You must be such a proud Mama xx
Thanks Alex, it really has been an emotional change for us but we are getting more used to it and finding our new routines as well.
Oh dear, I know exactly how you feel – our two year old keeps marching into school with her big sister, taking her coat off and picking up books to look at. She looks so sad when I tell her we have to leave! I keep telling myself that at least she will be really keen to get to school when it’s her turn! I thought she’d like spending more time with me but I think she’s a bit bored – need to up my game! It’s so hard getting used to these new situations but it sounds like you are doing all the right things. Becky x #sharewithme
I know I feel the exact same way. It’s sad as they have lost their daily playmate and I think MM feels the same as I work from home and she feels I am boring and it’s not fun enough for her. So I am trying to think of things we can do and get creative with our days together too. We will find our new routine soon.
Oh, I know that must break your heart to hear her get so upset about her brother leaving for school. I hope it’s gotten a little better since the first week. The picture of the two of them embracing needs to be printed and framed! How adorable. Don’t feel guilty—you’re doing a great job!
It really does its been a tough two weeks but we are slowly getting better I think. Finding our feet and new routines settling in.
Gosh doesn’t B look grown up in that first photo. Was so lovely seeing you last night, congratulations again hun xx #Siblings
Thanks Katy that’s so sweet of you and yes it was lovely to hang out with you. B is looking so grown up ever since school started for sure.
They have such a lovely bond but sounds like separation has helped them grow into being their own little person X
It really has them learning to be their own person which is good as they have never known anything but being together and doing all the same things.
Awww what a lovely sibling bond and how much have they developed. You must be proud mummy 🙂 X
Thank you so much darling, they do and I am very lucky and proud.
I really am and I hate to be that mom that brags but I love their closeness so much and so grateful for it. Hope it never changes.