Mixed Feelings About School Starting?

In some parts of the country school is already in session and where we live kids are savoring their last week of freedom before they hear that school bell ring. Back-to-school can be an exciting time for kids, but how are you feeling?

We've noticed a lot of moms and dads writing on their blogs about their mixed emotions over the start of the school season - sad to say goodbye to a fun summer, nervous for their kids, glad to be getting back to a routine, unsure (for parents who don't work outside the home) how to fill their time, looking forward to more one-on-one time with younger siblings, thrilled to reclaim more time for themselves, anxious at how fast their kids are growing up.

How are you feeling about the start of the school year?

(Photo: by Flickr member Caitlinator licensed for use under Creative Commons.)

Comments (6)

my little ones aren't school age yet, but my husband is a teacher and while I love him, I was very very ready for school to start. Schedules and routines return to normal, which means toddlers are in better tempers, and my house stays cleaner. It's like getting my life back!

posted by sassypiggy on August 31st 2009 at 1:50pm
view sassypiggy's profile

My not-quite-three-year-old is heading off to Montessori tomorrow for the first time with his sister; he will be gone all day. I will miss him terribly, I worry he will get tired, I worry he won't eat, I worry his toilet-training will fail him... I am not ready for an empty house.

Back-to-school means dinner must be early, and must be ready on-time, it means my daughter gets over-tired and cranky and difficult... summer's easy living is over...

posted by mschatelaine on August 31st 2009 at 3:17pm
view mschatelaine's profile

I'm dreading it... I run the recycling program at my son's school, and even though I am a big environmentalist, I know I'll have a huge amount of work!! :)

posted by acwink on August 31st 2009 at 10:18pm
view acwink's profile

My daughter was homeschooled for kindergarten and first grade, and this year she will enter second grade at a new charter school. While I have gnashed my teeth many a time during the low times (I also have a charming but testy 2yo), having my sweet girls with me has been wonderful.

I will truly miss my daughter, and I'm working on LETTING GO, LETTING GROW.... That said, it's high time I give my second daughter uninterrupted quality time too, as well as get back to fitness and taking better care of myself so I can care best for my family.

posted by >>Heather<< on September 1st 2009 at 1:41am
view >>Heather<<'s profile

I just sent my daughter off on her second day of kindergarten. Yesterday was hard for her (although she got off the bus smiling). Today is hard for me. I didn't know how sad I would feel. I was not prepared.

posted by PNWGal on September 1st 2009 at 1:30pm
view PNWGal's profile

I'm a stay-at-home-mom to our 5 year old son and we are all ready for his first day of Kindergarten. I cried like a baby when he started preschool, but now it is so obvious that he is ready - I think Kindergarten is going to be a smoother transition for us.

posted by kellyfitz on September 2nd 2009 at 9:45am
view kellyfitz's profile