Back to School Reflections

Backpacks, Calendars & Bittersweet Moments: A New School Year Begins

There’s something both sweet and sentimental about the back-to-school season. On one hand, I love the return of structure and heading back into familiar routines. On the other, I find myself feeling a little emotional as the kids grow older and time keeps moving faster.

This year marks a big milestone for my son — his last year before middle school. Both kids’ schedules are already filling up, and it reminds me how fleeting these elementary years really are. In the midst of buying school supplies and figuring out lunchbox rotations, I’m also reminding myself: just because the calendar fills up doesn’t mean every space has to.

It’s easy to get swept up in the “go, go, go” of the season. Gymnastics and Karate practices, school forms, curriculum nights, appointments, and everything in between. I’m learning (sometimes the hard way) that it’s okay to say no. To not overcommit. To create space for family dinners, slow mornings, and even just a walk to school holding my kids’ hands (when they let me!).

One thing I’m especially grateful for is the flexibility to be present. I get to show up for school events and be part of my kids’ community, which truly is one of the most incredible communities I’ve been a part of. This year, I also want to focus more on volunteering as a family and teaching my kids that life is fuller when we’re thinking of others.

So as we dive into another year of backpacks and permission slips, here’s my reminder to breathe. The little moments matter. And yes, even if we forget a lunchbox or miss a meeting, the world still turns.