Encouragement for Moms: Back to School Edition

Dear mom taking your kids back to school,

The overwhelm you’re feeling? Completely normal. Especially since you were just lounging beachside, reading “The Five -Star Weekend” when the sound of school bells suddenly plucked you out of your chaise lounge and sucked you into the whirlwind that is back-to-school.

It’s a season that pulls you in what feels like a million different directions: school supplies, new backpacks and lunchboxes, registration, haircuts, physicals, new clothes, meet the teacher, packing up your college kid. Doing it all seems impossible. 

As if that weren’t enough, you’re feeling all the emotions that come with watching your kids embark on another school year.

There’s excitement for their future, disbelief over how fast the time flies, sadness over how quickly they’re growing up, pride for who they are and anticipation for who their becoming, concern for the growing pains of the classroom, comfort from the predictable daily rhythm, and gratitude for some much needed time to yourself all welling up in the tender space of your mother’s heart, just waiting to burst forth in the big crescendo that is the the first day of school. 

But, as a former teacher and a mom who has put a child through school, here’s what I know for sure: despite barely being able to catch your breath between all the back-to-school errands, your kids see you. They recognize their biggest cheerleader. They feel your support. And when the dust settles on this busy season, you’ll be glad you were able to be there for them. 

I cannot leave you without a few helpful hints for making this transition as seamless as possible. So, I’ve curated a few of my most helpful resources to see you through the new school year.

• How to Get Into a Routine: A 7 Step Action Plan – This guide will help you create a daily routine that feels almost as simple as the lazy days of Summer. The secret is in step one.
• Back to School Home Organizing Ideas – The start of a new school year is also a great time to reset your home. Making sure you have organization systems and routines in place will reduce stress and set everyone up for success.
• Back-to-School Checklist – Writing it all down and planning out when to do what will clear the mental clutter and relieve some of the stress of this busy season.