The one with a week before school

There is one week left of the summer holiday's, and although I have spent Monday to Thursday in the office, I am still trying to get my head around the fact that my not so little man is starting school. I guess this right here is actually going to be a reflective post, how could it not be? Starting school is such a huge milestone and this next year is going to be one full of transition and growth.

School marks the pathway to the rest of Leo's life, what he will do, who he will be. It will lead him right the way through to his adult life, and that is both a scary and rather amazing thought. Everything that has happened in his past, and everything that is coming in his future, are shaping him to take on life in his very own way. To help him achieve his goals and ultimately be the very best version of himself that he can possibly be. 

I could say that time has been on warp speed since the day he landed in my life all those years ago, but every parent knows that, it simply goes without saying. Did I think the day he started school would come around so fast? Never. Did I think my baby would ever grow up on me? Not on your life. Well not this quickly anyway.

Do I think Leo is ready to enter the big wide world that will open to him when school does commence? It's a question that I have actually been asking myself for the past year, what with all of the bumps in the road we have had in terms of his developments, I guess that the answer would change depending on which day of the week you asked me. Right now I am completely, and 100% sure that he is ready for this next step. It goes without saying that it is going to be a complete shock to the system (for both of us!), but in terms of development and over all readiness, yes. He is very much ready for this next chapter.

I think that it is definitely going to open his eyes, and it may even result in a potential dislike after the initial novelty wears off and he realises the expectations of the teachers and fellow pupils. Like every child who has entered the school before him, Leo will adapt. He will grow and he will conform. Over the years I have spoken so much about conforming, and how children should conform in their own time and in their own way, and I guess that the time is fast approaching for that little man of mine.

In preparation for the historic day Leo has been sent the perfect pair of school shoes, the start rite Hat-Trick, Black Leather School Shoes. I am a firm believer in children having a pair of shoes that fit them properly, especially a pair that will be worn day in and out for a substantial amount of time. Leo and I were out in Cheltenham a few weeks back when we decided to pop into our local start rite store to get his feet measured. The staff were so accommodating and gladly measured little man up so that we knew his exact size.

When the shoes arrived the first thing we did was have Leo model them, it's almost a coming of age moment getting those very first school shoes in, and we certainly treated it as such. Little man was just as excited and had been talking for weeks about getting this very special pair of shoes, un-boxing them was something that couldn't happen quickly enough, he wanted those shoes on his feet, and he wanted them now.

start rite Hat Trick Shoe Specifications:

- Comes with a football keyring

- Riptape fastening for adjustability and comfortable fit

- Glow in the dark feature on upper

- Mesh linings for breathability 

- Lightweight rubber sole for comfort

- Padded ankle for comfort and support

- Scuff resistant rubber toe bumper

They are a lovely pair of shoes and fit like a dream with plenty of growing room, which of course is exactly what we need for a growing boy. With a price tag of £47.00 they don't break the bank and I can rest assured knowing that Leo has a quality pair of fitting shoes on his feet. start rite believe in children having well fitted shoes throughout every stage of development, and I couldn't agree more. 

I now have one 4 year old very much ready to start school, and one Mummy ready (She says!) for him to go. We shall see how I fare when it comes to dropping him off on that very first day. I get the feeling that I am all talk and really not ready to wave him off... But one way or another, that little man of mine is on the path to growing up, and walking it in a pair of very well fitting school shoes. 

Disclaimer: We were sent the above pair of start rite Hat Trick School Shoes for the purpose of this post and our honest opinion. All views expressed are those of Life Unexpected.