As the smell of chlorine and sunscreen drift away, replaced by the fragrance of freshly sharpened number two pencils, how is your mama heart feeling? Stereotypes abound on how moms tend to feel on that first day of school, so let’s see whether they hold true with our handy-dandy quiz!
1. What are your thoughts on back-to-school shopping?
a) Love it! I love the smell of new pencils and new beginnings! And how cute is this first-day outfit?
b) Loathe it. So many supplies. So many clothes. So much of my budget.
c) Check it off the list. The first day is coming, and we’re ready.
2. Do you have any traditions for the first day of school?
a) Yes! Chalkboard signs, class year t-shirts, donuts for breakfast and ice cream after school!
b) Nope, not following in your crazy footsteps, Karen!
c) Yes, first-day pictures on the front step and maybe a fun snack after school.
3. How do you handle first-day pictures?
a) My chalkboard sign is ready, their graduation year t-shirts are laid out, and we will take them separately, as a group, at home and at the school!
b) It’s hard enough to wake them up earlier than every day this summer, and that’s what school pictures are for in a couple of weeks.
c) I’ll snap a couple pictures on our front step, maybe print off a free sign.
4. When do you shop for school supplies?
a) We shop as a family as soon as the lists come out. It’s fun to let them pick out their own folders.
b) Typically, the week before we scrounge through to see what is still salvageable from last year and then fill in the gaps as needed.
c) We purchase the supply box the school sells. Easy and done!
5. Once the kids are safely at school, what are your plans for the first day of school?
a) I’m a bit tearful and spend the day running errands solo and making homemade cookies for them to come home to and munch on as they tell me all about their first day.
b) Finally a break and chance to see MY friends! Champagne, anyone?
c) Another season, another hustle.
6. What are your thoughts on extracurricular activities?
a) Excited for new routines and lessons.
b) Lying low until the pool officially closes and it’s too cold to go to a park.
c) Each of my children can choose one activity per season.
7. How do you feel about the change of seasons?
a) Pumpkin patches, hayrides—bring on the pumpkin spice!
b) Finally not sweating, but will be too cold too soon.
c) I like the change in weather, the leaves changing and the excuse to get cozy.
8. How do you feel about your kids’ moving up to the next grade or school?
a) My heart aches with how big they are getting and those too-big class t-shirts are starting to actually fit now!
b) One year closer to an empty nest!
c) I like to see my kids grow older and become interesting and capable people, but I’m surprised at how quickly it goes by.
Mostly A’s: Emotional Mama sucking out every last ounce of summer with her kids because we only get 18 summers to make memories! We completed our bucket list and are making our fall bucket list now!
Mostly Bs: Tired Out Mom and ready for the nonstop entertaining and refereeing of my kids to come to an end and get back to the steady routine of the school year. Get them on the bus then pop the champagne with my mom friends to celebrate back to school!
Mostly Cs: Regular Mom enjoyed summer with the kids but am ready to launch them into the next school year and see what they learn and how they grow this year.
Stephanie Loux is the proud mom of Layla, 11, Mason, 10, and Slade, , and can relate to all the mom feelings in this quiz.