The Bakers Adventures

1 day to go…

Today, the girls are having a much-needed mental health day. Erin spent time in the Pumpkin Room yesterday,the school’s safe space for children needing emotional support and Evie has been showing little signs of struggle too. Her usual spark feels a little dimmer, her reactions slightly sharper. It’s clear they’re both finding Dan’s upcoming departure hard to process.

As parents, we often focus so much on the physical well-being of our children that we forget their emotional health is just as important. If they had a cold or a fever, I wouldn’t hesitate to keep them off school. So why should it be any different when it comes to their mental well-being?

I know how much I’ve struggled with my own mental health over the years. It took me far too long to prioritise it and create healthy habits to cope, mostly because I didn’t grow up in a world where taking care of your emotional needs was normalised. I don’t want that for my girls. I want them to know it’s okay to pause when they need to, to feel whatever they’re feeling, and to know they’ll always have the space to process it.

This morning, we’ve taken things slow. We’ve had open conversations about their emotions, what they’re worried about, what makes them feel sad, and what we can do to help. I’ve told them it’s okay to feel upset or anxious and that those feelings are valid. Just seeing them relax a little and knowing they feel supported has been worth everything.

Meanwhile, Dan has been packing. His bag is almost ready to go, sitting in the hallway like a constant reminder of what’s coming tomorrow. He’s been quieter than usual today, which I completely understand. He’s admitted he feels unsure, nervous, excited, and overwhelmed all at once. We’ve both had these surreal moments where we look at each other and think, this is actually happening.

Tonight, we’ll have fish and chips for dinner. Dan’s request for his last meal at home for a while. It’s a simple choice, but it feels right. We’ll sit around the table as a family, sharing stories, stealing chips off each other’s plates, and trying to focus on the now instead of tomorrow.

I’m doing my best to stay present, but the truth is, I keep swinging between calm acceptance and a lump in my throat. I hope that how okay I feel is real and not just my brain’s way of shielding me from what’s to come. But whether I’m fooling myself or not, I know we’ll get through this.

Today is about focusing on what we can control, about creating a safe space for the girls and soaking up every moment with Dan. The world can wait until tomorrow. For now, it’s just us.