When My Second Born Started School – A Wave of Unexpected Emotions

Written By: Anisha Bhojwani

This month, my second child, Zayn, started school—and to my surprise, I found myself overwhelmed with emotion. I didn’t expect it. After all, I’ve done this before. When my daughter Ziya started school, I was proud and excited. She barely glanced back at me, confidently marching into the classroom. I smiled, waved, and got on with my day. But with Zayn, it felt different—he clung to me, uncertain, and I felt a lump rise in my throat as I walked away.

I wasn’t prepared for the tears—his or mine.

What surprised me even more was that I’m working now. When Ziya started school, I wasn’t. I remember feeling the silence of the house quite deeply back then. Now, with work keeping me busy, I assumed it would feel easier. But it didn’t—it hit me harder.

Maybe it’s because Zayn is my last baby. Maybe it’s the quiet understanding that this is the end of an era—no more little hands at home, no more midday snacks together, no more spontaneous cuddles on the couch while the world rushes by outside. There’s something final about your youngest starting school. A chapter closes, and a new one begins.

Or perhaps it’s because Zayn found it harder to settle. Watching him struggle with the transition tugged at my heart in a way I hadn’t expected. He needed more reassurance, more hand-holding—literally and figuratively. And in supporting him, I found myself slowing down, feeling everything more deeply. 

What I've Learnt:

This experience has taught me a few things as a parent. Firstly, no two children are the same, and neither are our journeys with them. Ziya’s confidence made me believe school transitions were simple. Zayn reminded me that sometimes they’re not—and that’s okay.

Secondly, I learned that my own emotions are valid. Just because I’ve been through this before doesn’t mean it gets easier. In fact, the second time can feel even harder because you’re more aware of what you’re leaving behind.

And finally, I’ve learned to be gentler with myself. Parenting is a constant lesson in letting go, and milestones—no matter how joyful—can still come with sadness.

Zayn is starting to smile more at drop-off. He’s finding his rhythm, just like I am. And while the house feels quieter during the day, I’m learning to embrace this new phase of motherhood with a full heart—even if it aches a little.

To every parent who has stood at the school gate holding back tears—you’re not alone. Our babies grow, and so do we.