Today was the second day of school. One of the rare school days when we’re allowed to walk our kids through the gates and to their individual classrooms. It’s a day that most parents revel in. They want to see their children in their classroom, say hi to their child’s friends, and take pictures of them at their desks. And yet, as I passed a parent that I knew in the parking lot, all I managed to say was, “I hate this.” No “good morning”, no “how are you”, no “nice to see you”. And honestly, even if I had managed to say one of those pleasantries first, it probably would have been followed by, “I hate this.” Because, it’s true – I genuinely hate the second day of school.
Before you think I’m a terrible mom, please know that I love the teacher meet and greet the Friday before school starts. I love walking my child to her classroom for the first time, seeing her sit at her desk, and talking with her friends. There’s an excitement about it and it’s fantastic. I also love walking my daughter into school on the first day in her brand new outfit and clean back pack. There’s an energy in the air and it’s amazing.
But on the second day of school it’s just me carrying a 25 pound squirmy toddler on my hip, holding the hand of my four year old, and keeping an eye on my 6 year old as we all cross a busy street, while trying desperately to not drop the lunch box that my daughter “didn’t have enough hands for” which is loosely wrapped around my wrist. I then have to coral those kids through a series of buildings and hallways as we make our way to the classroom so I can watch my daughter stand in line outside her classroom. No energy. No excitement. We were all just here 24 hours ago for the first day, and 72 hours before that at the meet and greet. And after all that’s done, I get to herd the younger kids out and get them back into the car. Honestly, there are few things that I despise more than getting 3 kids out of the car only to get the majority of them back in the car.
Last year I found comfort in the second day of school. I didn’t like getting all the kids out of the car, but I loved being able to walk her to her class. I was actually worried about what would happen when I couldn’t walk her to her class anymore.
But you see, that’s the difference – last year was my rookie year. I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know the schedule. I didn’t know car line etiquette or a hundred other things that elementary school moms learn during that first year. 
I still have a lot to learn about elementary school, but I’m not a rookie. And for once, I’m actually looking forward to sitting in the car line tomorrow.
