Happy First day – How do I have a senior?

The first day of school is always a rollercoaster of emotions. As a mom, I find myself caught between the excitement of going back to school and the heartache of watching my kids grow up just a little bit more. I am excited to watch them learn and grow this year and am also sad that summer has come to an end. I miss them already and am also enjoying that I can write this in peace. I would be rich if I was paid every time they said “mom” this summer. I don’t know how I fit any work into my summer, but I always seem to make it work somehow. Mom’s always find a way to get it all done.

I didn’t sleep at all last night. I may have gotten a few hours of sleep. First, you know that emotions are always super charged for the first day of school. Second, my husband turned the thermostat up to 71 degrees! He has been married to me for 19 years! Today is our 19^th wedding anniversary. He should know that I cannot sleep with the temperature at 71. When I got up to check in the middle of the night I was not happy with him. I don’t care if he’s freezing at 69 degrees. He is not allowed to touch that thermostat. We are going to have a talk before bed tonight! Now I know that I need to check before I go to sleep. I know you all understand! Also, my back was throbbing. I did way too much yesterday, and I overdid it. It was not a good night, and I will hopefully sleep well tonight. I hope you all slept better than I did. The good news is that my children slept well.

Max, Ella, and Lillie were up bright and early, excitement buzzing in the air like static electricity. Tanner, our golden retriever, was equally energized, sensing the change in routine. Seth slept through most of this! I don’t know how he did, but he did! Max was up for his senior sunrise at school. He left early so he could go hang out with all the seniors. Ella was up super early so that she could perfect her make up, hair and outfit to head to her first day of sophomore year. Lillie got up way too early because she wanted plenty of time to get ready. Max drove himself to school. I drove Ella to school. Lillie’s besties picked her up to go to school. I made four lunches and two breakfasts, along with feeding the cats and our dog. I ran around like a crazy woman getting it all done. Yes, they can pack their own lunches – all four of them can. I am a caretaker at heart, and it brings me joy to take care of them. I know they are capable, and I also love to make their lives easier. If you have your kids make their own lunches and breakfasts there is nothing wrong with that. Our kids should be doing things for themselves and learning to be independent. The ultimate goal of parenting is to put ourselves out of a job. We want them all to be successful and self sufficient!

As we packed up backpacks and made sure everyone had their lunches, the reality of the day started to hit me. Another year older, another year of new experiences and challenges for them. I can’t help but reflect on how much they’ve grown. Max, who cried every day of preschool, drove himself off to senior year with a confidence that takes my breath away. Ella, looking beautiful and so grown up, headed into high school so ready for sophomore year. Lillie, my baby, starting 7^th grade and looking and acting like a teenager!

Here’s the thing, moms – we’re not in this alone. The first day of school isn’t just about our kids growing up; it’s also about us growing as parents. Every year, we get a little stronger, a little more seasoned in this wild journey of motherhood. We learn to let go just a bit more, trusting that we’ve prepared them as best as we can for what lies ahead.

This year, as my son starts his senior year, I can’t even begin to share all my feelings. One of my friends posted: Check on mom’s of seniors, we are not okay! Here are some tips for senior moms like me to help us with senior year:

Cherish the Moments

• Senior year flies by fast. Make it a point to cherish every moment, from the mundane to the monumental. Take photos, start a journal, or create a memory book to capture the memories. These keepsakes will be treasured long after graduation. I am going to savor this year! I keep asking my son Max not to rush the year.

Let Go a Little More

• Senior year is a time of growing independence. As your child prepares for life after high school, it’s important to let go a little more. Encourage them to make their own decisions, manage their time, and take on more responsibilities. It’s all part of preparing them for the next chapter.

Support Their Goals and Dreams

• Whether your child is aiming for college, trade school, or jumping straight into the workforce, show your support for their goals and dreams. Offer guidance and allow them to take the lead in making decisions about their future. Your encouragement will mean the world to them.

Be Present for the Milestones

• Senior year is full of significant milestones including homecoming, prom, college applications, and graduation. Make an effort to be present for these events, both physically and emotionally. Celebrate their achievements and be a steady source of support during the stressful moments.

Prepare for the Transition

• Prepare for the transition to life after high school. This might mean researching colleges, understanding financial aid, or planning for a gap year. Helping your child with these preparations can ease the anxiety of the unknown for both of you.

Keep the Lines of Communication Open

• Senior year can be stressful for both you and your child. Keep the lines of communication open by regularly checking in with them. Listen to their concerns, offer advice when needed, and remind them that you’re there to support them no matter what.

Allow for Some Senioritis

• Senioritis is real, and it’s okay to let your child enjoy the final stretch of their high school career. While it’s important to stay focused on academics, also recognize the value of allowing them to relax and enjoy their last year. Balance is key.

Encourage a Strong Finish

• As tempting as it may be to coast through the last few months, encourage your child to finish strong. Remind them that colleges and future employers will look at their senior year performance. A strong finish not only reflects well on them but also sets the tone for their next steps.

Take Care of Yourself Too

• Amid all the excitement and planning, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Senior year can be emotionally draining, and you might find yourself dealing with your own feelings of nostalgia or anxiety about the future. Make time for self-care, and reach out to other parents who are going through the same experience.

Senior year is a time of growth, change, and celebration. By supporting your child and taking care of yourself, you’ll both be ready to embrace the next chapter with confidence and excitement.

No matter what grade your child is entering, there will be ups and downs along the way. Have confidence that you and your child can handle it. What helps me through the most is talking to other moms that understand.

If you have any tips for me for senior year, pass them my way. We are in this together mama’s.Top of Form