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- Introduction
- The Excitement of Back to School
- Navigating the End of Summer Blues
- Preparing for a Smooth Transition
- New Beginnings and Challenges
- Making New Friends: Tips for Parents
- Beating the Back-to-School Stress
- The Importance of Routines and Schedules
- Packing Lunches with Love and Nutrition
- Tips for Easing Homework Battles
- Dealing with First Day Jitters
- Celebrating Milestones: From Pre-K to High School
- The Value of Involvement in School Activities
- Conclusion
- Download your Morning Checklist Now
Introduction
How in the world is tomorrow August? Doesn’t it seem like this summer just FLEW by so fast? I’m not ready for my boys to go back to school. We had an amazing summer break, and I’m going to miss them when they go back to school Friday. As summer draws to a close, moms all over the country prepare for the new school year with a mixture of emotions. The end of summer means transitioning to a new routine, making lunches again, and waving goodbye to lazy days at the pool. But fear not, moms! With a sprinkle of humor and a dash of relatability, we’ll explore the exciting, chaotic, and heartwarming journey of getting the kids back to school and embracing the changes ahead.
The Excitement of Back to School
As the back-to-school season approaches, there’s a contagious excitement in the air. Kids look forward to reuniting with their friends, and moms can’t help but smile at the prospect of a quieter house during the day. The prospect of new teachers, school supplies, and fresh opportunities spark joy and anticipation for the year ahead.
Every year, we head to Target to fill our cart with new crayons, folders, notebooks, markers, etc. I love to see their excitement as they pick out a new backpack, lunchbox, even a pencil case. This year, my 10yr old checked off his own 5th grade checklist. He ran around the back-to-school section with pride as he collected each item. You should have seen him carrying 12 glue sticks to our cart!🤣
Making a big day of getting back to school supplies is something I grew up with doing with my mom as a kid, and it just starts the whole transition from summer to school. Everything is new. Shiny. Sharp. Clean. Smooth. Fresh. Just like their minds and bodies are ready for a fresh start into a new grade, new teacher, new classroom, new schedule.
You can easily make your back to school shopping a fun event. Afterward, you could go to a special lunch, or get ice cream, or something to commemorate the new season. And doing this each year will surely instill some great memories and traditions.
Navigating the End of Summer Blues
However, with the end of summer comes a touch of melancholy. Saying farewell to carefree days and fun-filled vacations might leave some moms feeling a bit blue. It’s okay to feel nostalgic, but remember that new adventures await, and this transition is a chance for growth and learning, both for kids and moms. When school got out in May, I was sad and a little anxious. I was used to having a quiet house during the day. I was used to the routine. I was overwhelmed with making this the best summer yet and creating the best memories. The thought of only having 18 summers with your kids just screamed at me in the back of my mind. The pressure of doing all the things. Taking all the trips. Finishing all the summer bucket list items.
But as summer went on, I actually had an AMAZING summer with our kids. Their personalities are shining as they get older. They are so fun! They have opinions. They have great conversation with me and with each other. They grew closer as the dog days of summer went on. And I am so lucky to have been able to witness all of it. The lazy days we slept in, or the early days that were jam packed with activities. I think we had a good mix of both and some in between.
As I am not one to like change, a new season is always met with sadness, but also anticipation and excitement for what’s to come. It’s important to embrace this new season and know you did the best you could to give your kids a fantastic summer. Hopefully you took lots of photos and videos to look back on!
Your kids will definitely mimic your attitude, so it’s important to tell them how excited you are for them as they start a new school year, but also share how much this summer meant to you and how you loved all the memories you all made and time spent together as a family. Tell them it’s ok to feel sad the summer is over, but also excited to go back to school.
Preparing for a Smooth Transition
To ensure a smooth transition, it’s essential to plan ahead. From shopping for school essentials to organizing the family schedule, preparation is the key to avoiding last-minute chaos. Creating a checklist can help moms keep track of everything they need to accomplish before the first day of school. The Every Mom has a great checklist you can use. You can find it HERE. Things like pediatrician appointments, haircuts, and prepping a homework/study area in your home can really impact your family’s confidence when heading back to school this fall.
New Beginnings and Challenges
The start of a new school year brings new beginnings and, inevitably, a few challenges. Younger children may be anxious about leaving their parents’ side, while older kids might feel the pressure of increased responsibilities. As moms, it’s crucial to be there for our children, providing support and encouragement as they face these changes. Remind them that they can talk to you about any concerns they may have. Allow them to ask questions, let them take the lead in the conversation so you can help guide them. Every child is different, so something like having a new teacher might not bother one child, but the other one could feel super anxious about it.
Making New Friends: Tips for Parents
Starting a new school year also means making new friends, not just for the kids but for moms too! Joining parent-teacher associations and attending school events can be great opportunities to meet other parents. Building a support network can make the school year more enjoyable and less overwhelming. As hard as it is to make new mom friends, I promise you will find your tribe. Join the PTO, attend the school events, try being a room mom, volunteer at your kids’ school, reach out to their teachers to see if they need any help – it could be something as simple as making copies/laminating to coming in to read to the class once a month. Teachers are our heroes and other moms are finding a way to help in any way they can, so it should be pretty easy to make friends!
And if your kids see you reaching out to make new friends, they will be more likely to do the same. Get out of your comfort zone, as hard as it is, you may surprise yourself!
Beating the Back-to-School Stress
Let’s face it, the back-to-school season can be stressful. Between juggling work, household duties, and school-related commitments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Taking a moment for self-care, whether it’s going for a walk or enjoying a cup of coffee in peace, can work wonders in reducing stress. Get up an hour earlier and have that alone time before the morning rush out the door. Set aside time to do what makes you happy, because you know by now that you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Create a self-care checklist like this one:
- Wake up without hitting the snooze button
- Start your day with mediation, journaling, or breathing exercises
- Drink 8 glasses of water daily
- Eat healthy
- Read a book
- Schedule quality time with friends or family
- Find ways to move (dance, stretch, go for a walk)
- Spend time outdoors
- Commit to learning one new thing a day
- Tidy up your space
- Create a bedtime ritual
- Reduce screen time after 9 PM
- Get enough sleep
Understandably, everyone defines self care differently. For instance, I am a big introvert. I get very overstimulated in social situations where I have to be “turned on” the whole time. Making conversation, thinking of what to say, listening to all the people talking. My brain is fried and I can’t wait to have some alone time to recharge. My husband, on the other hand, THRIVES in social situations. I think it recharges him, while it drains me. So he definitely knows how to comfort me and he takes the lead, for which I am very thankful. So in this case, I don’t know if alone time would be self care to him. But to me, alone time is definitely self care. See the difference?
Be sure to fill your cup up before filling others’!
The Importance of Routines and Schedules
Establishing routines and schedules is vital for a successful school year. Kids thrive on predictability, and having set times for meals, homework, and bedtime can make a significant difference in their academic and emotional well-being.
Download my School Days Morning Checklist below. Put it up on your fridge or command center so it’s front and center in the morning. This will help you AND your little ones to get used to the routine in the morning so you aren’t rushing out the door and forgetting something!
Packing Lunches with Love and Nutrition
Preparing school lunches can be a creative way to show love to our little ones. With a bit of imagination, moms can pack lunches that are not only nutritious but also visually appealing. Including fun notes or drawings can bring a smile to their faces during lunchtime. Have your kiddos make a list of snacks and treats they want to pack in their lunches and stock up! We shop bulk stores like Sam’s Club and Costco for chips, crackers, fruit snacks, fruit cups, etc. It will save you SO MUCH money in the long run by buying in bulk. And since kids are creatures of habit, they usually like the same thing everyday. (At least mine do.)
Join Sam’s Club now and get 50% off your membership HERE
Tips for Easing Homework Battles
As the school year progresses, homework battles might become a reality. Instead of engaging in power struggles, try to create a designated homework space and provide support when needed. Remember, it’s essential to foster a positive attitude towards learning.
It’s also important to encourage the art of not procrastinating. Teach them to get their homework done as it’s assigned, and don’t put off big projects until the last minute. I know it’s easier said than done, but teaching them now will pay off in the long run and make them able to be on top of things for years to come.
Dealing with First Day Jitters
First-day jitters are not just for kids; moms can experience them too! It’s perfectly normal to feel a mix of nerves and excitement. Talking about these feelings with other moms or close friends can be reassuring and comforting.
If your child is moving up from pre-k to Kindergarten or Kindergarten to 1st Grade, this is a big deal! I think 99.9% of moms are a ball of mush and tears the first day. This is totally normal to be nervous for your baby. The world is a mess right now. I can’t even describe the uneasiness of sending your kids anywhere without you to hold their hand and protect them. Talking about how to stay safe and listening to their teacher for instructions in case of emergency is very important.
Communication is key. Listen to their worries, concerns, doubts and try to assure them that everything is going to be all okay! EVERYONE is nervous the first day of school. Even teachers!
Celebrating Milestones: From Pre-K to High School
As kids progress through their academic journey, there are numerous milestones to celebrate. From the first day of pre-K to high school graduation, each achievement is a testament to their growth and development. Moms can mark these moments with pride and joy.
One tradition we do in our family is first and last day of school photos. I can thank Pinterest for this idea. We got 2 chalkboard signs, chalkboard markers, and they hold them up for pics before we pile into the car. These are so fun to look at over the years. We have been in the same house so they stand on the same landing, and you can see how tall they get each year compared to the railing. Their outfit choices, their little gaps in their sweet smiles from missing teeth. It’s a keepsake collection that is absolutely priceless.
The Value of Involvement in School Activities
Getting involved in school activities can be rewarding for both moms and kids. Volunteering at school events or joining parent committees can create a sense of community and strengthen the bond between moms and their children. Participation is important for both kids and moms, as it teaches them that if you’re getting involved, then they should too. They will be more likely to volunteer in class, build their confidence, and make new friends. The more parents participate in school functions, the more likely you are to make new friends too! And strengthen your relationship with your child’s school.
After all, this is where they will be spending a majority of their days, so why not make it your second home? For those that work full time, there are still events on the weekends or school nights that you can still take part in. Just ask your child’s teacher, or message your school’s Parent Teacher Organization!
Conclusion
As summer bids farewell and the back-to-school season begins, moms embark on an adventure filled with funny anecdotes, heartwarming moments, and relatable experiences. Embracing the changes with a positive attitude and a touch of humor can make the journey all the more enjoyable. So, here’s to a fantastic new school year! Cheers to you, Mama. You made it through another summer, and you survived! Let’s do this!
FAQs
Q: How can I prepare my child emotionally for the new school year?
A: Talk to your child about the upcoming changes, listen to their concerns, and provide reassurance and support.
Q: What can I do to make school lunches more exciting?
A: Get creative with colorful fruits and veggies, add a fun note or joke, and involve your child in the lunch preparation process.
Q: How can I stay organized during the school year?
A: Utilize calendars and planners, create to-do lists, and establish daily routines to stay on top of tasks and activities.
Q: What if my child is having trouble making friends at school?
A: Encourage your child to join clubs or extracurricular activities where they can meet like-minded peers and make new friends.
Q: How can I manage the back-to-school stress effectively?
A: Prioritize self-care, take breaks when needed, and seek support from friends, family, or support groups.
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