Navigating Back-to-School Season as a Working Parent by Robyn Jordan
Back to school season came with lots of action for me this year! As the Head of People at the DriveTime Family of Brands, I am excited about this time of year as we prepare for our annual backpack drive and engage in a little healthy competition across the organization to collect the most backpacks (with all the goodies inside).
As a mom, this time of year comes with back-to-school shopping including clothes, shoes and the long list of school supplies. This is balanced for me with finding the list online, attempting to order the supplies online (not sure how many other parents searched endlessly for a purple plastic folder with no prongs) and hitting all the stores to get the deals.
And this year brought me a scary start to the school year. My 12-year-old son spent his last fun day at Urban Air, fell on the trampoline and broke his arm just a hair away from the growth plate at his elbow. Not only was this terrifying for him and a little heart stopping for me, but it was also his right arm, so we are now learning to write with his left hand before school starts!
This time of year always brings a unique blend of excitement and anxiety, a bittersweet period that touches not only the lives of our children but also affects us as parents as you can see above!
A New Chapter for Kids
For our children, back to school month signifies the start of a new chapter filled with endless possibilities and a lot of nerves. My youngest is starting 5th grade and my oldest is starting a new chapter of junior high in 7th grade. While they are eager to reunite with friends, meet new teachers, and embark on fresh learning adventures, they are both anxious to have summer end and the anticipation of what’s to come with homework, adjusting to a new sleep schedule and school lunch.
The best part of the new year will be their excitement when they head out on the first day after I make them take the classic first day of school photo. Both of my boys will get the chance to learn how they will balance the expectation of thriving academically as well as experiencing social connections with all the kids in their new classes.
The Emotional Toll
However, as parents, this excitement is often accompanied by a significant emotional toll. I know I can’t be the only parent crying in the drop-off line!
Watching our children take these steps toward independence is a source of immense pride, but it also tugs at our heartstrings. This year came with the realization that my little ones are growing up, coupled with the fear of new challenges they might face, can be emotionally draining.
We juggle feelings of joy and sadness, pride and worry, immersed in the current day-to-day tasks yet nostalgic for these moments that will one day be memories.
Striking a Balance
Beyond the emotional rollercoaster, this season brings a host of practical demands that can be overwhelming. From organizing school supplies and coordinating schedules to managing extracurricular activities and homework routines, the to-do list seems never-ending. The logistical challenges can be daunting, especially for those of us who must balance these responsibilities with our professional commitments.
I’ve found that it’s essential to find balance and seek support before you’re feeling overwhelmed. Here are a few strategies that might help:
- Plan Ahead: Start preparations early to avoid last-minute stress. I’ve found that creating checklists to keep track of tasks helps me prioritize my never-ending to-do list.
- Open Communication: Talk to your kids about their feelings regarding the new school year. Encourage them to share their excitement and concerns and share yours as well.
- Self-Care: Remember to take care of yourself. Whether it’s setting aside time for a quiet moment of reflection, a workout, or a chat with a friend, self-care is crucial.
- Community Support: They say it takes a village for a reason! Lean on your community. Whether it’s fellow parents, family members or colleagues, don’t hesitate to ask for help or share your experiences.
We’re Here for You
As we navigate through another back-to-school month, let’s embrace the journey with all its highs and lows. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: you are doing a great job and you are not alone. Your DriveTime Family is here for you if you need us. There are so many wonderful resources we offer that can really help and I encourage you to take advantage of them.
Visit the Wellbeing page on Link for more information about the resources available. I encourage you to take care of YOU so you can continue to be the best parent you can be.
