Mum's school predicament: 'I know that he needs to have these experiences'

Mum-of-three, Meredith Masony, is struggling to come to terms with her worry for the school year ahead. 

Her first-born is beginning middle school, but she's finding it hard to deal with the fact the years have passed her by, and worries for what lies ahead. 

Reminiscent of the days her son was a tot, Mum writes: "As I was standing here watching him play a video game I could hear Jack Johnson playing in my head."

"I use to listen to his music while breastfeeding my son. I would stare at him and think about what he would be like when he was older."

But then Meredith blinked, and the years flew by, with her son now embarking upon a new journey that he is more than ready to undertake. 

However, the mum-of-three isn't as prepared as her son, sharing: "I worry about bullies. I worry about drama. I worry about middle school girls. I worry."

"I worry that he will be picked on and his feelings will be dashed. I'm his Mum, so I worry."

Meredith is quite aware that her son needs to have these experiences, that it's all part and parcel of the growing up period – character building.

"I know that I have taught him right from wrong. I know that I have loved him and given him what he's needed. I know this isn't college, but it seems like it's a different planet."

"A school full of kids with raging hormones who need extra deodorant and have mood swings for fun. A planet where angst is in the air and there doesn't seem to be a cure. He no longer holds my hand. I can't walk him to class."

But Meredith knows one thing for sure; she wouldn't turn back time. 

Because for her, it's exciting to see her son turn into a young man: "It's exciting to see his eyes light up at this new adventure."

It's now time for Mum to prepare herself though, it's her that needs to get ready for the first day of middle school, reminding her son of all the important lessons she has taught him over the years.

"I'll hug him tomorrow morning before we get in the van to drop him for his first day of school. I'll remind him to be nice to everyone and polite to his teachers."

"I'll keep doing the best I can in between blinks so that one day he will be the best man that he can be."

Meredith wouldn't be a mum if she didn't worry – at least all you mums who are approaching the 'first day' know you are not alone.