The Back-to-School Emotional Rollercoaster: A Ride We All Share (Whether We Like It or Not)

As I write this, I'm staring at a stack of freshly sharpened pencils and a brand-new backpack with a Pokemon keychain. It's a bittersweet sight because it signals the start of a new chapter – kindergarten for my oldest child.

I've swung wildly between excitement, anxiety, pride, and a touch of what can only be described as mourning. Kindergarten? How is my baby old enough for kindergarten?

And I know I'm not alone in this emotional whirlwind. I've chatted with mamas sending their youngest off to kindergarten, celebrating the end of the daycare era (and those eye-watering tuition bills!) while grappling with the realization that their "babies" aren't so little anymore. I've heard from those watching their child's senior year approach, feeling like time is slipping through their fingers and not knowing how to slow it down. These transitions spark a wave of questions: "Have I modeled kindness enough?", "How can I keep them safe in a world that feels increasingly dangerous?", or "Will they always come to me if they're struggling?"

No matter where your child is on their educational journey, back-to-school is a time of intense emotions. It's a reminder of how quickly time flies, the constant evolution of our roles as mothers, and the bittersweet mix of letting go and holding on tight.

Here's a glimpse into what many of us might be feeling:

• Excitement: New beginnings, fresh starts, and the chance to watch our kids grow and learn.

• Anxiety: Will they make friends? Will they be okay without us? Did we pack enough snacks?

• Pride: Look how far they've come! Remember when they couldn't even hold a crayon?

• Nostalgia: A flood of memories from their earlier years, and the realization that those days are gone.

• Grief: For some, it's the end of an era. No more nap times, baby giggles, or tiny hands clutching yours.

• Fear: Of the unknown, of what the future holds for our children, and of our own changing roles as they become more independent.

It's a lot, right? It's okay to feel all the feels. It's normal to cry happy tears one minute and anxious tears the next. It's part of the beautiful, messy, and perfectly imperfect experience of motherhood.

Here are some things I'm doing whilst navigating the emotional rollercoaster of back-to-school:

• Acknowledge my feelings: I'm not trying to suppress or ignore my emotions. I'm allowing myself to feel them fully, without judgment.

• Connect with other moms: I'm talking to friends, colleagues, family, and online communities to share my experiences and find support.

• Practice self-care: I'm carving out time to recharge and de-stress. Whether it's a hot yoga class, a walk in nature, or simply slowing down to drink my coffee, I'm prioritizing my well-being.

• Focus on the present: It's easy for me to reminisce about the past and/or worry about the future, so I'm trying to stay grounded in the present moment. I'm celebrating the milestones, cherishing the small joys, and taking it one day at a time.

Veteran mamas and new mamas alike, please share your experience and how you're doing.