So how was the first day of school for you?

Sometimes it's worse for the parents, isn't it?

Children adapt fairly easily, but they do pick up on our emotions. I've heard teachers say a million times that once the parents are away, the kids are fine.

"It's as if they feel the need to show they're sad because you're sad, but they're all sprightly once you've left, trust me," our firstborn's playschool teacher, Ross, used to say.

I heard it again this morning: "I know it's hard for you, but really, the sooner you leave, the better."

Also read: Why are school uniforms so expensive?

Also read: How to avoid a teary first day at playschool

But when you reach the car and you can still hear your toddler crying, your insides go bezerk. Are we the worst parents in the world? Even though there were six other toddlers all bawling for gold? Is this normal? Is she too young? Is this the wrong school?

Then we pick her up and although her little body is still sighing with sobs, she waves goodbye to everyone and blows kisses and shows me the pictures on the walls. Back at home, she's funny and cute... and a bit bigger. Could she have grown up a bit in one morning? Should she have?

Being an already anxious person may not help the inner monologue but I know very sane, very normal people who all felt like this this morning, even with much older children.

So how did you cope with your child's first day back at school? Vote here or send your comments to chatback@parent24.com.