I know what you’re thinking. Because I’m thinking it, too. Summer’s out, and the days of thunder are among us. Another 180 days (or longer for some) of rushing out the door with your first cup of coffee only to find yourself jammed in traffic with like-minded drivers who share the same agenda as you. You can probably fill in the blanks swiftly with what that might entail, but mostly it includes weaving through the chaos of potholes, school crossings, cars zigzagging to get an inch closer to their destination, and maybe even some radio shuffling to find your favorite morning show to set the tone of your day.
Parents all thrive for the same thing — get their loved ones delivered to school safely and intact.
Whether your child is a traditional school student, homeschooler, or college bound, there’s definitely much to be navigated for a smooth and successful school year. As a mom of a college graduate (Go Vols!) and high school junior, I still find myself encompassed in their goals and aspirations, even more than mine. I have managed to work my life around the school year from their littlest days of pre-K (several years as a work-at-home mom) to them making sound decisions on their own as young adults.
As we’re tackling the driving phase of my teenager, I often wonder — as most of my fellow parent community can probably concur — is it more stressful to send them out into the wild all alone and hope they return to you without a scratch or bruise, or just keep Ubering them to their 205 destinations each week? Lots of pros and cons there, but I will say that no matter how soon you choose to whisk them off, just know they retain a lot of what we work so hard to do in raising them (even if they don’t often exhibit), including the love, grace, and growth we’ve shown them through building them up in purposeful ways to be the driving force to positively impact the world.
As we kick off the 2024-25 school year, just know that Memphis Parent has your back! From quick-fix breakfast meals to tips for a successful school year, and more opportunities to get your children involved in the arts (hence, more running around for you). Take lots of first-day photos and share away while we continue to make memories together as a community of vested individuals for our future.
Be sure to submit your fun photos for our Back to School Photo Contest (Submissions will be August 5-15, with voting to follow August 16-21.)
Best wishes this school year to all of our students, parents, teachers, administrators, superintendents, and to all who make up the educational community.
Later, my friends!
- Erika Cain, Editor