As the summer break comes to an end, the familiar whirlwind of back-to-school preparations sweeps through homes in El Paso. How are you feeling? Stressed about getting everything just right? Are you excited about the new routines? Nervous about how your child will adjust? It’s probably a mix of all the above. And that’s completely normal.
The excitement for fresh starts and the concern for unknowns create a blend of emotions that feels all too common this time of year. In this tornado of shopping lists, schedules, and emotions, what’s the most important thing, though? There’s a lot of talk about the “right” way to go back to school: get the new backpacks, sign up to multiple after-school activities, prepare those first-day signs. That is all great, but the most important thing, the one that truly matters, is how we show up for our kids. That’s it.
The single most impactful investment that we can make right now is helping our children feel ready for the new school year.
The Real Back-to-School Essentials
What does it mean to show up for our kids during this time?
It mostly means being present—emotionally, mentally, and physically. It means prioritizing their well-being over appearances, their comfort over societal expectations, and their needs over external pressures.
Emotional Support
The start of a new school year can be overwhelming for kids. I’ve touched before on the importance of preparing kids for transitions and change, but thinking about starting a new school year hits differently. Whether they’re starting pre-K, transitioning to high school, or simply jumping from one “normal” year to another “normal” year, the fear of the unknown can make them uneasy.
Our role as parents is to be their anchor: listen to their concerns, reassure them, and help them navigate their feelings. Sometimes, a simple conversation about what they’re excited or nervous about can make all the difference.
Encourage Confidence and Resilience
These are two of the best gifts we can give our children. Encourage them to take on new challenges, reassure them that it’s okay to make mistakes, and remind them that they have the skills (or will develop them through practice) to succeed. Our unwavering belief in our kids can help them trust and believe in themselves, their abilities, and their decisions.
Create a Safe Space
School can be a challenging environment with academic pressures and social dynamics so it’s important to ensure our homes are a safe space where children feel comfortable and relaxed. Make the space for them to safely share about their day, vent their frustrations, and unwind. Let them know that home is where they can be themselves without judgment.
Be Present
With all the demands on our time as moms, it can be hard to carve out moments of genuine connection. But small, consistent efforts to be present have a big impact. Sit down for breakfast or dinner together, go for a walk in the afternoon, and chat before bedtime. These moments of presence show our littles that they are our priority. Spending time with our kids builds a strong foundation of love and support.
Let Go of the “Shoulds”
This is one of the most liberating things we can do during back-to-school season (and honestly, in life in general).
“You should make every lunch a masterpiece, get new supplies every year, sign your kids up for every after-school activity AND have everything perfectly organized.”
The problem comes when these “shoulds” come from external pressures rather than what’s truly best for our families. It’s okay if their lunch isn’t Instagram-worthy every day (or ever, ha!) or if their backpack is a little worn from last year. It’s okay if they’re bored after school sometimes because there’s no activity planned.
» » » RECOMMENDED READ: Are You Shoulding Yourself? 3 Quick Exercises to Quit the Shoulds;« « «
Make this Back-to-School Season Meaningful
How can we make this back-to-school truly meaningful for our kids?
Tuly remember that the most important item in the supply lists isn’t something we can find in one of Target’s magical aisles. The most important thing is showing up every day for our children. Embrace the imperfections and spend time with your kids. Focus on loving, supporting, and encouraging them.
Indeed these are the things that will truly foster the independence and resilience to help them thrive during the school year. These are the things that will help them feel ready take on the school year. Furthermore, that readiness comes from within—not from the perfect supplies or a packed schedule, but from us showing up for them.
This is what truly matters.
The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of El Paso Mom, its executive team, other contributors to the site, its sponsors or partners, or any organizations the aforementioned might be affiliated with.
