This sentiment by author Elizabeth Stone is true always but is something that feels even more pertinent when our babies start school for the first time.

The milestone is, after all, one of the first steps in letting go and sending our children out into the big world in which they will learn and start finding their own way.

Last Thursday my middle child began kindergarten and to say he was excited was an understatement.

In the week leading up to the big day he would put on his uniform and and start jumping up and down and beaming with pride. He would ask every morning whether that was the day he was going to school.

When it came time he sped through his morning routine and got dressed in his uniform and he even humoured me while I took way too many photos when he would normally complain.

We arrived at school and he found his buddy, a lovely young boy a few years older, and they walked together holding hands into the hall to wait to go off into class.

His was the last name called out of all the new kindergarten students and he ran up to the stage to take his place, where he danced a little and gave us a big wave and a smile as he headed off. His teacher said was the most excited reaction she’d ever had from a kindergarten student.

The moment makes me smile but it also sent a lot of thoughts through my head: ‘He’s growing up’, ‘look how big he is’, ‘where did the time go?’

You would have thought being my second time around at it I would have been a pro and not let the emotions of the day get to me but, no – or maybe I just got something in my eye. Note to self, bring bigger sunglasses next time! It comes from a mixture of pride, happiness, excitement and a tinge of sadness because things have changed.

The day also reminds me that he is growing up and time doesn’t stop – and that sometimes in life the child is ready before the parent is.

But I’m okay with that because it isn’t about me. I can’t help but be happy because he is happy and I’m comfortable knowing he’s in a place where he will be cared for, nurtured and his love of learning encouraged. He came home from school excited and raring to go again.

I can’t ask for more than that.