Back-to-School Time is the BEST Time

You think it. I’ll write it.

I love when my girls go back to school. There. I wrote it.

For the first time in 7+ years, I’m home alone. Sure, it’s only for roughly two hours before I pick up my youngest—followed by two more separate school pickups—but still. Sweet, sweet solitude.

Everything is full: the dishwasher, sink, dryer, and inbox. So what? I don’t care. I blast Lizzo’s “Good as Hell” and dance my way through emptying it all without a single interruption.

No Garfield vibes here. I LOVE Mondays now. I also love my kids fiercely and finally realize it’s okay to admit I’m happier during the school year. I’m grateful for the return to a schedule, sports, and activities. Plus, I’m relieved not to be the primary entertainer or referee 24/7.

Will I miss cuddles with my kiddos at home while watching Bluey or Daniel Tiger? Absolutely.

What I won’t miss? Telling my kids to get dressed five times, or trying to remember who brushed their teeth (myself included). Or, that despite having until 10 AM, our crew is always running late to the library’s storytime. Every. Single. Time.

We all do better with routine, structure, and (most of all) a reason to get dressed.

When my oldest started Kindergarten, I remember lots of moms tearing up as their kids went off to a full day of school. I was just coming off a knee surgery and barely able to walk her there. Oh, and I was battling severe postpartum depression. I wasn’t sure I’d make it to that first day.

Two years later, summer still feels long, messy, and chaotic—and yet, I find myself always dreaming about the first day of school. Back-to-school time is my sanity reset. Oddly, we’re more productive once school starts despite having more going on. With the pool closed, we have time for more family walks or spontaneous playing, and yes—even snuggles on the couch.

Some parents might struggle with the chaos: kids who hate school, early mornings, constant bickering. Wherever you are, remember—seasons change. This too shall pass.  

Welp—gotta run. It’s already time for my first school pickup.