Professional Parenting

As a parent myself, I had to take the time to acknowledge this time of year and the challenges that comes with it, but don't worry! For those who find themselves here for items related to start-up, there's one in the cue.

I've said this before and I'll say it again, I’ve always loved this time of year. I don’t know if

Me by 2pm on most days.

it’s the crisp feel of fall (which I do love) or the nostalgic rush of going back to school. That unexplainable excitement—the kind that made me want to stay awake and fall asleep at the same time just so I didn't miss anything and morning would come faster. It was like waiting for Santa to show up but hoping he wouldn’t scuff my new kicks. Christmas in August.

And here’s the thing: I’ve never loved shopping. But the chance to snag a fresh pair of sneakers for the first day of school? That spoke to my soul—even when I had to wear a uniform—and still does.

Welcome to the Start of the 2025–2026 School Year!

The start of a new school year feels like hitting the reset button—but let’s be real, it’s not a gentle reset. It’s more like an early-morning, asking kids to get out of bed (repeatedly), where’s-the-shoe, where’s-that-freakin’-blue-folder kind of reset. One day, you’re in summer mode, and the next, you’re knee-deep in permission slips, carpool lines, and wondering how to fit “be present for your kids” into a schedule that already feels like it’s about to collapse.

Here’s the truth: this transition isn’t easy. Not for me. Not for my kids. Not for teachers. Not for anyone trying to show up everywhere they’re expected to be without falling apart.

Before you scroll back up to check the title of this post and wonder where I’m going with this—bear with me.

Back to School = SAME Reality

While summer gave some of us a pause, for me, it was more like shifting gears into a whole new lane. This past March, we launched the MSH Transitional Youth Empowerment Program (TYEP), and suddenly I feel like a full-time “Professional Parent”, therapist, coach, referee - I’m parenting at home AND at work. From asking (and reminding) young adults to do chores, be kind to each other, and shower regularly - I find myself constantly reasoning with little humans and big humans alike—parenting never ends. Not for a single day.

Last week, alone, I started a kid in pre-K and prepared multiple for college - a journey of a thousand emotions and transitions.

Parenting Today Isn’t for the Faint of Heart

We’re living in a world that expects us to work like we don’t have kids and parent like we don’t have jobs. Add in the invisible mental load—school (and work) emails, play dates, after-school care arrangements, and bills—and it’s no wonder we feel like we’re drowning in good intentions and unfinished to-do lists.

And then comes the guilt. Oh, the guilt.

• Was I supposed to sign up for volunteer slots?

• Did we pack enough snacks?

• Should I have gone to that Open House instead of securing funds for the organization?

Drop me in an episode of Leave It to Beaver.

The New School Supply: Grace

Here’s what I’m learning—perfection is a myth, and survival is success. Yet the perfectionist in me will only rest when it feels it just cannot go anymore and, if you know me, that isn’t often. But you know what? (Y)our kids don’t need a parent who gets everything right. They need a parent who loves them through the chaos. And if you’re a teacher or a “Professional Parent” like me?

Double the grace.

Remind yourself: for every pep talk you give your kid, that student, that program participant—you are giving a piece of yourself that will need to be replenished. You are doing a lot. Carrying a lot. And you cannot be everywhere at once, no matter how many hacks you try.

Sometimes you send a participant to their room to give yourself time to think. Sometimes the laundry wins. Sometimes dinner comes from a drive-thru. Sometimes you send the wrong folder back to school. Sometimes pride overshadows reasoning. Guess what? Life goes on.

Building Your Back-to-School Village

Because the truth is, you’re not meant to do this alone.

#1: Say Yes to Help: If another parent offers to pick up your kid from practice, say yes—if you trust them. “Stranger danger” is still a real thing—I’m just sayin’. If a teacher says, “Don’t worry about sending extra supplies right now,” believe them. And when a friend texts, “Want to grab coffee?”—grab that coffee.

#2: Stop Competing, Start Connecting: We’ve all seen those Instagram-perfect lunchboxes and color-coded calendars. Here’s the secret: that parent is struggling too, just differently. Remember—packing their favorite snack is also a win.

#3: Show Teachers (and Yourself) Some Grace: Teachers are under pressure too—many of them parents juggling the same chaos. Start the year with kindness, not complaints. And don’t forget to extend that kindness inward.

#4: Show Up Where It Matters (Not Everywhere): You don’t need to be at every event or volunteer for every committee—and don’t expect it from others. Choose what matters most to your child(ren)—and to you—and let the rest go; you heard Elsa!

Why This Feels So Hard

It’s not just about early mornings or homework. It’s about living in a world that demands more than one person can give. People who feel entitled to your energy and time. And tasks that, ultimately, can wait. There aren’t extra hours in the day, but expectations keep multiplying and the reality that passion work is also emotionally and mentally exhausting.

So, if no one’s told you yet: You’re doing enough. Your kids are okay. Week one is done. And every day will bring its own set of challenges that you’ll handle as well.

Class may be back in session, but you’ve been doing this parenting thing for some time now without a textbook—you got this. Write your own job description and take it as it comes.

It Takes a Village