Letters from Mom on the First Day of School

Another summer break comes to an end. Why can’t June and July last forever? I love the slow start mornings that lead to swimming in the afternoons and evenings at the ballpark. My children are stuck with me in the summer and having them near is incredible for my heart and mom brain. 

It never gets old, this being a mom thing, but as each summer races away it does feel fleeting. 

The first day of school marks a huge passage of time for me. My favorite people on the planet are growing up and moving on in a direction that regulates me to the wings and not the forefront. 

It can be daunting to watch my kids as they move up the classroom ladder, because I know it means they will disengage from me bit by bit. This is all a part of maturing, for me and for them.

Dear Eighth Grader:

Wow, wow, and wow. Your last year of middle school is upon us, which seems impossible! Weren’t you just a six-year-old teeballer yelling that innings should have three outs no matter what?

I probably say it too much, and write it even more often, but you were the start of my best story. And the plot continues to get better. Your growth in life is fun to observe. I am lucky to be on the sidelines as you do you. 

Please continue to talk to me, even when it seems easier to just roll your eyes and mutter “I know”. Middle school and high school can be hard, but they can also be fantastic. I love how you are a “roll with it” type of girl and can shake off the negative with a quick pep talk or caramel latte. Do not change, but please keep growing because your dad and I love every stage of this parenting gig.

Love, Mom

Dear Fifth Grader:

You continue to be the steady hand in our chaotic household. Middle children really are the rocks in the family. The only time I worry about you is when I have a second to pause and wonder if I have worried about you enough that week. Your chill manner and level headedness keeps me and your siblings grounded. 

Go have fun this school year. Don’t be too serious, but also don’t be too silly. You are navigating pre-teen waters, which can be scary. Truth be told, I am a little scared. You’re very different from your big sister and I don’t know what to expect, but that is exciting. 

Be a leader and be soft-hearted, but also be okay with being a little miffed or displeased. No one is perfect, but you are pretty close to it in my mind. Keep running down life like you do a soccer ball and we will get through this school year just fine.

Love, Mom

Dear Second Grader:

My oldest son, you are the one who indoctrinated me to the persona of “boy mom”. Thank you for coming into this world basically already a toddler in weight and personality. Life will never be dull with you and I love the reliability you bring in terms of laughter and excitement. 

You are a challenge, but in the best possible way. Introducing me to the world of wrestling and hockey has probably taken years off of my life. However, there is no place I would rather be than screaming encouragement at you while you grapple with competition, frustration, victory, and loss.

This school year let’s try to work on giving each other, and the general public, the benefit of the doubt. Both of us are middle children who love to keep score in life. Fairness is great, but it is also not guaranteed. Show off your smile and remember to take a beat before throwing your hands up in exasperation. This is also good advice for me as your mom. See there you go again, teaching me way more than I could ever teach you.

Love, Mom

Dear Preschooler-

Where would our crew be without you? Especially on the first day of school? I know if it weren’t for you, I would probably be drowning my mommy sorrows in Chick-Fil-A biscuits and unlimited refills of Diet Coke. So thank you for still needing me on a day to day basis. 

You were, and always will be, the best thing your dad and I ever did. Going for one more kiddo and getting such a terrific bookend for our family was an incredible feat that I didn’t know we had in us. You make us stronger as a family and better as a household.

We need to work on the thumbsucking and staying dry at night. But in the grand scheme of life, I have faith that you will kill it in the preschool classroom this fall. Thank you for still needing hugs and saying sweet things like “hold me” and “love you most-est”. This mama’s heart needs to hear it today and everyday. 

Love, Mom