The first day of school is supposed to be the hardest for parents.
It's supposed to be the day you allow the tears to flow, your pride fill your heart, as you watch your tot begin to take on the world step by step.
But then you're supposed to get on with life, live everyday this way, say 'have a great day' at the school gates, and look forward to pick-up.
However, there's then the issue of school holidays, as a parent you're supposed to dread that period coming around.
But it's not the same for everyone, sometimes each new term breaks your heart that little bit more than the first time.
Mum-of-two, Mia Carella, can relate to this sentiment as the new school term hasn't become any easier for her.
Sending her daughter back to school after the summer break has opened old wounds, and Mum is wondering if it is ever going to get easier.
"They said it would get easier. They said last year would be the hardest, being the first time and all. They said this year would be better; I'd be happy to see her go back to school after a long summer. Nope."
"I don't know why I am having such a hard time with this. My little girl is so excited to be starting school again. [...] I, on the other hand, am struggling. It's deja vu all over again."
"It feels just as raw and real as the first time I had to let go and send my daughter off on that yellow school bus out into the world. Nope, not easier at all," added the mum-of-two.
Trying to make sense of her feelings, and to understand why she doesn't want to let go, Mum concludes her feelings of discomfort most likely come from trust.
"Letting our hearts, our whole worlds, walk out into the world alone without us is never easy. We have to trust that the world will treat them as we would. Trust that they will have everything they need."
"Trust that we can loosen our white-knuckled grip that we think is holding everything together, and let them go. Let them grow. But, it is hard - one of the hardest things I've ever done."
Mia sends hugs out to all the mum and dads struggling to let go, struggling to trust that they have given their kids the tools to adjust, but most of all, she wants parents to know they are not alone in their struggle.
"To all the moms and dads having trouble letting go this year, you are not alone. So, so not alone. Hugs in solidarity, my friends. So many hugs."
