Backpacks and Big Feelings
Excited, overwhelmed, anxious, and thinking how are we going to make it through summer? These are all feelings parents can relate to just several weeks ago.
But now, here we are, a couple of weeks from sending the kids back to school and I’m not ready.
By late July or early August, parents are asking, “Where did summer go?”. It’s so bittersweet, right?
Back-to-school season is exciting—but if we're being honest, it's also an emotional roller coaster. For many of us, there are so many feelings wrapped in those first few days of school. I’ve compiled a list of some emotions we may all be feeling right now. You’re not alone! Read on to see if which you relate to most…
Excitement
There's something special about a fresh start. New teachers, new classmates, fresh school supplies, and new opportunities. Kids are eager to see friends they haven't seen all summer, and parents look forward to getting back into a routine.
Relief
After weeks of juggling summer camps, vacations, snack requests every five minutes, and trying to keep everyone entertained, the return of a predictable schedule can feel like a breath of fresh air.
Morning routines, bedtime schedules, and structured days return—and many parents welcome that sense of normalcy.
Stress
The shopping lists seem endless. Clothes don't fit from last year. Shoes suddenly seem too small. School forms pile up, sports registrations begin, and calendars fill faster than we'd like.
Worry
Parents naturally wonder, will my child like their teacher, will they adjust to a new classroom, are they ready for the challenges ahead?
Whether it’s kindergarten or high school, those worries never completely disappear.
Pride
Perhaps the strongest emotion of all is pride. Each new school year is another reminder of how much our children have grown—not just physically, but emotionally and academically.
They're becoming more independent, more confident, and more capable with every passing year. It's amazing to watch... even if it means they need us a little less than they did before.
As the days go by, let’s take some time to soak up the bittersweet moments, because before we know it, we’ll be snapping the annual first-day photo on the front porch, walking them to the bus stop one more time, or waving from the carpool line and watching them walk through the school doors without looking back.
These are the moments that have a way of tugging at your heart.
We’re excited for everything that’s ahead, but we’re also quietly saying goodbye to another season that seemed to fly by.
Here’s to a great school year. We wish every student, teacher, and parent a season filled with confidence, kindness, growth, and unforgettable memories.
