Bring Back Big Families

As summer fades like the last glow of a firefly, I’m sitting here writing this post, feeling the weight of back-to-school season settle in. The end of summer always hits me hard, with those glorious days of no alarm clock, filled with spontaneous adventures or late nights watching baseball games. Those moments of pure, unhurried joy with my kids are what I’ll miss most, and there’s a quiet sadness in packing away that freedom for another year.

As a teacher, I’m already knee-deep in the chaos of prepping for the new school year. The stress is real: lesson plans piling up, classroom decor begging for attention, and the mental marathon of getting ready for a room full of (not so) curious faces. It’s like trying to herd cats while riding a unicycle, and I’m just hoping I don’t trip over my own two feet. To top it off, professional development days mean I’m dragging my own kids along to school with me. Picture me nodding along (or off) in a meeting about new (recycled) teaching strategies while my four-year-old is throwing over a chair in a full-on rebellion. It’s exhausting, but those moments make me laugh even when I’m running on fumes.

Then there’s the heart-wrenching milestone of dropping our new baby off at daycare for the first time. Walking away from her tiny, trusting eyes was like a dagger to the heart. I sat in the car for just a brief moment afterward, fighting the urge to run back inside and scoop her up. I know she’s safe and happy there and starting her own little adventure, even if it feels like I’m leaving a piece of my soul behind.

And don’t get me started on the guilt. After a summer of building LEGO sets, splashing in the pool, and staying up late watching YouTube videos, sending my kids back to school feels like betraying our summer bubble. They’re ready for new teachers, new friends, and new stories, but I can’t help feeling like I’m cutting our summer magic short.

Still, there’s a spark in this season that keeps me going. The crisp smell of new pencils, the thrill of fresh backpacks, and the promise of watching my little ones grow into their next chapter—it’s chaotic, tear-jerking, and beautiful all at once. Here’s to surviving the back-to-school whirlwind, embracing the mess, and cherishing every moment of this wild, sentimental ride.

Already looking forward to my first break….