Okay, real talk? Back-to-school season hits different when you’re the mom and the teacher—and you’ve got one kid in elementary, one in middle school, and one just starting high school. It’s like being pulled in every direction… all before 7:15 AM.

And every year, no matter how organized I try to be, I still get this wave of emotions—like I’m excited and sad and overwhelmed and proud and tired… all at once.

My Baby’s Last Year in Elementary

My youngest is still in elementary, and it’s his last year there. Cue the tears.

He no longer holds my hand, but will still walk next to me. I’m not cringy yet, but he has expressed interest in riding his bike and gaining more independence. I can see the middle school creeping in.

What helps?

I’m making a point to show up for the little things. A lunchbox note. A quick story at pick-up. I don’t need to freeze time—I just need to be present right now.

Middle School: That Weird In-Between

My middle child? Bless it. Middle school is… a time. One moment they’re laughing and telling you everything, and the next, you’re getting one-word answers and eye rolls. It’s like a hormonal rollercoaster, and we’re both strapped in.

What helps?

I stopped asking “How was your day?” and started asking things like, “What made you laugh today?” or “Did anything weird happen at lunch?” More often than not, it gets them talking. Sort of.

High School Starts… and I’m Not Ready

My oldest just started high school and I AM NOT OKAY.

We’re suddenly talking about GPAs and future plans and I’m over here still recovering from kindergarten drop-off. She’s excited and nervous, and honestly? So am I.

What helps?

I try to pick one consistent way to connect—right now, it’s late-night snacks. We talk more over waffles at 9:30 PM than we ever did at 3:30. It’s not ideal, but it works.

And Then There’s Me: The Teacher Mom

While all this is going on, I’m also setting up my classroom, planning lessons, and trying to remember all my students’ names. I’m supposed to be the calm, put-together adult—and half the time I’m running on caffeine and Jesus.

What helps?

I keep a “just for me” stash at school—caffeine, gum, a candle (unlit of course), a note from my kids. Something that makes my space feel like mine in the middle of the chaos.

Let’s Make It Manageable

If you’re feeling like a mess this time of year, try one of these:

Write out just 3 priorities per day—for school, home, or parenting. That’s it. Keep a snack and a spare shirt in your car. (Ask me how I know.) Let go of the Pinterest-perfect lunch and send the sandwich. The kids are fine.

And breathe. You’re doing a lot. You don’t have to do it all perfectly.

So if you cried in the school supply aisle or forgot to put money into school accounts or can’t remember even which day it is today? Same, friend. Same.

Let’s give ourselves a little grace this year. It’s going to be okay.