The start of a new school year always brings a certain sense of magic and newness. There’s something so refreshing about picking out a new backpack, starting the year out with clean notebooks, and picking out the perfect first-day-of-school outfit. And let’s not forget the sign annotating what grade your child is going into, who their teacher is, and what they want to be when they grow up. For many moms, it’s one of those “can’t miss” moments for a social media post or the family photo scrapbook.
But for some working parents, this time of year can sometimes feel like someone turned on a fire hose. Not only are you rushing around to find the perfect lunch box along with seven dry-erase markers, but you’re also trying to make the most of what’s left of summer and cross off any last-minute summer bucket list items. The end of summer and the start of the new school year can bring stress, guilt, and impossible choices. While the return of structure can be comforting, it also means that calendars are filling up quickly, both at work and at home. While kids head off to new classrooms, some parents are juggling packed meeting schedules, looming deadlines, and the emotional weight of not being able to be everywhere at once.
Managing back-to-school as a working parent: a balancing act
What happens when back-to-school coincides with your busiest time of year at work? That became my life when I accepted a public relations role in an educational setting. As a mom working in communications for a K-12 school district, late August and early September mark my busiest season. It’s when strategy launches, school-year content ramps up, and the pressure to perform and be in all the places is high.
Missing the first day of school traditions
Two years ago, the very same day my daughter went off to her first day of middle school, I was responsible for covering back-to-school festivities in the school district I work for. There was no rescheduling or getting someone to cover for me. I had to be there. And so, for the second time in my parenting life (the first time was due to a military deployment), I missed the first day of school.
September doesn’t ease in gently for everyone. We’re told to “soak it in” and “not to miss the moments,” but some companies launch big campaigns after summer while they get ready for the holiday season. And for those moms working in education, it’s go time. And while schools open their doors for students, many working moms feel like they’re being pulled in two different directions. “As a mom who is a teacher, back-to-school time can be stressful,” says Christine, who is a high school teacher in Wisconsin. “Often I’m going back to work for staff development before my kids start school, so I have to coordinate childcare to fill in for that gap of time.”
“We’re told to ‘soak it in’ and ‘not to miss the moments,’ but some companies launch big campaigns after summer while they get ready for the holiday season. And for those moms working in education, it’s go time.”
Besides having to scramble to find childcare, another sacrifice working parents often make is missing the memorable moment of the first day of school. Still, even when our schedules pull us in different directions, there are meaningful ways to stay connected to your kids in the moment and things you can do to help alleviate the stress of this time of year. With a little creativity and intention, working moms can still make this time of year feel special for our kids while relieving some of the guilt and stress on ourselves.
Finding alternative ways to make back-to-school special
Get them a keepsake they can wear or carry throughout the first day
The first time I missed the first day of school was due to a military deployment. I bought bracelets for my daughters and me to wear on their first day of school as a reminder that I was there in spirit and thinking of them. Since missing the first day of school due to work obligations, we have started a tradition of making beaded friendship bracelets with a word that we want our school year to emulate.
Start a fun tradition after the first day of school
My sister always takes my niece out for popsicles after the first school day ends. You can always end the day with a fun dinner or personalized cookies for a special treat.
Take the first day of school photos a day early
I learned this trick from a photographer friend of mine. She liked taking the first day of school photos a day early because it made her feel less rushed on an already busy day. She would also go to her kids’ school and take pictures there, which would eliminate the need to worry about people in the background.
Leave notes in their lunch
Throughout the school year, I write notes or a joke on my kids’ napkins when they pack lunch. They love finding them in the middle of their school day, and it’s a reminder to them that you’re thinking of them.
Looking out for yourself and what you need as a working parent
Remember to keep things simple
While most of us love routine, keep things simple the first few weeks. Make dinners ahead of time, and don’t overpack your schedule.
Communicate with your employer early
Let your manager know about key school events or adjusted availability in advance. Setting expectations early helps reduce guilt and stress later.
Check with your child’s school about buying supplies
Some schools offer a service that provides you with all your kid’s school supplies for one bulk cost. This saves time (and headaches) for having to shop for essentials like glue sticks and markers.
Check in with yourself
Back to school isn’t just a transition for kids. Take a minute to reflect and for a break. Your emotional bandwidth matters, too.
A reminder that we’re all doing our best
At the end of the day, what grounds me in the back of back-to-school season is something my mom shared with me when I went back to work after maternity leave with my first daughter: “It’s not about the quantity of time you spend with, it’s the quality of time you have together.” Those words have carried me through the guilt, the juggling, and the days when I can’t be there for every moment. While I may miss the first day of school or have to answer emails after bedtime, I know my kids feel loved, seen, and supported. And that matters more than being everywhere all at once.
Maria Childs, Contributing Writer
Maria Childs is a marketing and communications professional living in Milwaukee. She is passionate about motherhood, co-parenting, and being a girl mom. When she’s not busy working in K-12 public education, you can find her running her two daughters to sports practices, dancing to Taylor Swift, browsing bookstores, and catching up with friends
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