Many years ago, panicked, I rushed into the preschool classroom, worried because my daughter was late.
My daughter’s teacher took one look at me and uttered wise words that have stayed with me ever since: “There’s a lot of things in life to stress about, but preschool drop-off isn’t one of them.”
Her reassuring tone and warmth gently reminded me to keep things in perspective.
These days, I keep those words in the back of my mind and substitute various things for “preschool drop-off” in that oft-remembered sentence:
There’s a lot of things in life to stress about, but …
“Dirty dishes in the sink” isn’t one of them.
“Unmade beds” isn’t one of them.
Most of all, “the first day of school” isn’t one of them.
If you’ve got back-to-school jitters, here’s some wisdom I’ve learned over the years that might help you cope with whatever’s stressing you out about going back to school:
- Summer reading is expected, but assignments related to the books aren’t typically due on the first day of school.
- Take advantage of the free audiobooks on the library’s Libby app, where you can access all kinds of free recordings that may be helpful for reluctant (or last-minute) readers.
- Forgot to buy binders, pencils, calculators? Don’t worry. They don’t usually need them until a few days into the year, so you have time.
- Make the morning of the first day fun, not daunting. Invite a neighborhood friend over for a doughnut and a photo, or maybe cook some bacon (everything is better when bacon is involved).
Looking to connect with other families in the community? The PTOs are active and lively at all of Rye’s schools. Whatever your interest, there’s definitely a way to use your talents for good and connect with other parents. Volunteer — it’s a great way to make some friends of your own. Plan to attend the “welcome coffee” at the start of the school year and meet people IRL.
Once you get everyone off to school, do what a friend of mine used to do: Treat yourself. She’d get wings at Town Dock. But since that’s no longer in Rye, maybe treat yourself to a new pair of sneakers from Shoes ‘N’ More or an ice cream cone from Longford’s? Sounds good to me!
So take the best picture you can, make sure there’s a little money in the My School Bucks app, and inhale. Back-to-school is a special day full of emotions, new beginnings, and maybe a tear or two, but remember that wise preschool teacher’s words: There are plenty of things in life to stress about, and this isn’t one of them.
Enjoy the hugs, savor the quiet, and take heart: 3 p.m. will be there before you know it!
Liz Woods is the founder of Ryemarkable Moms.
