Back to School Feelings Patience and Preparation

September’s coming up quick, and you can feel it in the air—a certain restlessness among the kids I see around Fishtown. It reminds me a little of that heavy feeling before Sunday gravy day; that low hum of nervous energy knowing something good, but also something demanding, is about to happen. For them, it's school. And for their parents? Well, for them, it’s watching those kids face it.

I see the worry on some of my families’ faces when I run into them at Palmer Park or Reading Terminal. They ask about the class sizes, if Timmy will be in a group with someone who “shares,” and that ever-present question: Will they *like* it? It's not just about academics; it's about their kids feeling safe, seen, and happy. And honestly, those are good things to worry about. There’s something brutal about watching a kid try so hard to be brave while battling the knot in their stomach that comes from walking into a place they don’t completely control.

I’ve had kids cry on the first day who were absolutely fine by recess. Others, strong as oak trees all summer long, melt down in the carpool line. It’s not about strength or weakness; it's just…feeling. And pretending those feelings aren't there doesn’t make them go away. Last year, Mateo refused to even look at me for a good fifteen minutes on arrival day. His mom was practically in tears, whispering reassurances I knew he wasn’t hearing. It broke my heart a little.

What helped him—and what I've realized helps most kids—is just knowing it’s okay *to* feel that way. To name it. "Mateo," I said, crouching down, “it looks like you might be feeling scared right now.” Just acknowledging it took the edge off; he nodded, sniffled, and then started asking about a Lego build he was going to do with his friend during free play. It's simple, but powerful. Validation is half the battle.

This summer, I finally got my grandmother’s Sunday gravy recipe down—the real deal, slow-cooked for hours, simmering with love and generations of family history. It taught me a lot about patience and preparation. A good gravy starts long before you actually serve it; same goes for school. Get those backpacks organized *now*. Do some practice runs to the bus stop. Read some books about going back to school. Even just talking about what they're looking forward to (or dreading) can make a big difference.

My aunt, who teaches middle school over in Delaware County, told me last weekend that sometimes the biggest anxiety isn’t about academics or making friends; it’s about losing control of their schedule and feeling like everyone else has it figured out. That’s where routines come back into play. Set a consistent bedtime, morning routine, even chore charts. Small islands of predictability in a sea of change can be surprisingly comforting for kids—and parents too, let's be honest.

And don't underestimate the power of connecting with your school community before things get hectic. Attend orientation nights, reach out to the counselor, even just chatting with other families at pick-up is worthwhile. Knowing you have support—that there are people who care about your kid’s wellbeing—can ease a lot of worries. It shouldn't all be on parents though; Mr. Johnson, our guidance counselor, he knows how to spot the quiet signs – the fidgeting hands, the averted gaze–and will connect with students who need extra support.

Ultimately, it’s about finding that balance. Allowing kids to feel anxious—it’s a natural response—while gently guiding them toward resilience and a positive mindset. Let them know you believe in them, even when they don't believe in themselves. Because just like Sunday gravy – good things take time, patience and the understanding that sometimes, just showing up is half the victory.