The start of a new school year is always such an exciting time, but it comes with its own challenges too. This year, Tucker is starting his second year of big kid school as a first-grader, and Hunter is heading into his second year of preschool, which he attends twice a week for half a day. The changes, the new routines, and the emotions that come with it are a mix of excitement and adjustment for both of them—and for me as their mom.
With Tucker in first grade now, it’s amazing to see how much he’s learning. He’s soaking in so much information, and his curiosity is inspiring. There’s no homework, which is a bit of a relief, but once he gets home, it’s like a switch flips. He’s been holding it together all day, but when we get home, he has a hard time controlling himself. It’s like he’s been working so hard at school that by the time he’s home, he doesn’t know how to wind down. He gets a bit more wild and struggles to settle, which can be tough to manage after a long day.
I’ve learned that giving him some space after school helps. Whether it’s letting him run around outside for a bit or having some quiet downtime with a snack, these little things seem to help him transition from the school day to home life. It’s still a work in progress, but finding ways to let him release all that pent-up energy has been key.
Then there’s Hunter, my little guy who is still working on letting go when it’s time to head to preschool. He only goes twice a week for half a day, but it’s always a bit of a struggle when it’s time to say goodbye. It breaks my heart to see him so attached and not fully understanding why he has to leave, but I know once he’s there, he’s happy. By the time I pick him up, he’s beaming and telling me all about his day. He loves it once he’s settled, but the process of getting him to that point is hard.
Hunter is still figuring out what it means to make friends. Socializing isn’t quite his thing yet, and that’s okay. He’s more focused on staying close to me, and while it can be a little worrying to see him struggle with making connections, I know it’s just a matter of time. The attachment he has is strong, and I know this is just a phase he’ll grow out of. In the meantime, I’m trying to gently encourage him to branch out while also reassuring him that it’s okay to feel the way he does.
As a parent, the start of a new school year is exciting but also exhausting. The new routines, getting everyone adjusted, and dealing with the emotional highs and lows can feel like a whirlwind. But there are ways to make the transition easier for both kids and parents.
One thing I’ve found helpful is keeping a consistent routine. Kids thrive on knowing what to expect, so setting a schedule for mornings, after school, and bedtime can help them feel more secure. For Tucker, having a set time for snacks, play, and winding down has been great. It gives him structure even after the school day ends, which helps manage those moments where he’s bouncing off the walls.
For Hunter, the key has been reassurance and keeping goodbyes short and sweet. I’ve learned that dragging it out makes it harder for both of us, so I try to keep it light and let him know I’ll be back soon. Positive reinforcement and celebrating small wins, like when he walks in without too much hesitation, have made a difference.
Starting a new school year is a big deal, especially when your little ones are navigating different stages of growth and independence. It’s not always easy, but watching them grow, learn, and take on new challenges makes it all worth it. At the end of the day, the best advice I can give is to be patient—with your kids and yourself—and take it one day at a time.