We did it. Lined ’em all up on the front stoop (it’s not a porch though Joshua says he’ll build me one someday) and took the obligatory First Day picture and took them all to new schools.
Yeah, I’m a homeschool quitter.
I love a lot of things about homeschool. I love the freedom to travel. I love reading books with and to my kids. I love the library and the Dollar Tree practice books I discovered late in the season and all my homeschool friends who make it look so easy. But I also had to teach math and y’all, I know my strengths. There’s a reason I made it into college with a really high verbal score on the SAT.
So they went back to school. Little ones love it. There’s colorful classrooms and desks with their names and cafeteria food. My kids have really high standards, can you tell?
But the big ones… well, we sent them to middle school. Most awkward years ever and we sent them to a new school with hardly any friends.
We’re the meanest parents ever. Also, I’ve been told I’m incredibly embarrassing because, turns out, I do know lots of the teachers and there was hugging at Open House and talking too much.
They’re going to survive. I know that. But when your girls cry on you in the minivan and the first day isn’t easy, you do what you have to do to make it better.
We watched Season 1, Episode 2, “The Rorys Go to Chilton”. Because, truly, Rory’s first day was way worst than ours. I wore real clothes for drop off (actually Joshua did the MS drop off) and there was no girl on campus who even came close the rivaling Paris for mean girl crown. Which made my almost-thirteen year old smile and start naming the things that were good.
And that’s my parenting tip of the week. When times get tough and you’re at your wits end trying to make it better, use a little pop culture (pre-screened of course).
I’d love to hear about your first day in the comments here or wherever you have a login saved. And what did I do while they were all in school for a solid eight hours you ask? I worked on proofing the print and Kindle copies of my debut novel which releases next month. NEXT MONTH. You can preorder it on Amazon while you’re buying all the Gilmore Girls episodes.
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Lindsey P. Brackett 
You are doing what’s best for your children and that is the most important thing. Love the picture. We’ve homeschool our son the last two years, but this year we are placing him in a public school charter school. It is independent study based so 90% of his work will be done at home, except I will no longer be in charge of curriculum. It’s a “trial” as he wants to experience “real” school like his siblings did. Only time will tell. Blessings!
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First day this year the oldest wanted to ride the bus (this the first time we have lived in district on the first day where he has been able to do it). We are all packed the night before – like lunches, backpacks, snacks, clothes ready, etc. Should have been a smooth transition. BUT when mama don’t wake up until 3 minutes or less before the bus comes, you don’t make the bus! Maybe next year (you know the last year of elementary school for the oldest!)
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