If you’re in my shoes, this isn’t the year for back to school, it’s the year of starting school, but more mamas are in back to school mode than are in my situation, so let’s just talk about this season in general. It’s a mix of emotions for parents and kids alike!

First of all, don’t cry. At least not in front of your little one who’s just starting school. Surely the first few weeks will be different and a roller coaster of emotions for both of you. Excited. Nervous. Maybe even terrified. But if you hold it together, they are more likely to hold it together. You will survive!

As a veteran MOPS, of course, I want to say join our tribe, and we’ll help you get through it because we will. But you’re probably reading this hoping for some back to school tips, so I’m going to highlight seven (7 tips, that is) from the Macroni Kid, but let you jump on over there for the full scoop.

1. Have your little one practice making friends. Hello! Another great reason to join our MOPS tribe. Especially, if your kids are younger than pre-k. You spend a couple days a month with us while you both practice making friends, trusting a teacher and so on and so on!

2. Make sure your child can manage alone in the bathroom. Oh my! I need to listen to this advice because I am a control free.k when it comes to how my kid dresses for public appearances. At home, pshhhhh!, we’re in recycled play clothes because #farmlife, but in public, I want him GQ every day. (Am I allowed to say GQ and kid in the same sentance?)

3. Get them excited about the bus. Ok. Ok. I, of all moms, know this doesn’t apply to everyone. Did you hear me reference “farm life” earlier? We’re driving to Newnan from Luthersville – so there is no bus stop for us. But if you’re considering your bus options, this is probably a good tip.

4. Practice the morning routine. Oh yes! I’m all about the practice. Let’s be honest, it’s more about me than him, anyway. I’m the one who needs the practice because I’ve definitely used these SAHM years as an excuse to sleep. “Sleep when the baby sleeps!” has morphed into the “baby” (pre-k toddler) being my alarm.

5. Print out a list of what to pack for lunch and post it inside your pantry. Sounds smart to me. Noted! But wait. Does that mean there are lunchbox restrictions? How do I know what to put on the list and if it needs to be different than what he’s been eating at home?

6. Lay out clothes the night before. Ah! Smart one. I really like this one because I’ve had those mornings when the sleep isn’t even out of my eye, and I’m staring through it at the closet like I’ve never had to do this before. Que coffee… on a timer!

7. Establish a “landing place” for backpacks, lunchboxes and school papers. I’m sure I’ll appreciate this, if I can clear enough space to designate for it. I mean, mama, if you’re house is still worthy of a magazine shoot, will you come over and help another mama out? I’m living in chaos, but at least we’ve got love!!

All right, now that we’re all armed with some quality tips from a qualified writer, thanks Holly Christy, what are we gonna do to get ourselves through the school year? If I had to send my boy off to pre-k without the support of my tribe, I’d be a disaster. Instead, I’ll be scheduling a lot of coffee dates or walks in the park – ya know, to help me get rid of my mom figure, now that I’ll have a few hours a day to focus on me, and I’m actually looking forward to it.

I’m talking to you, if you don’t have friends with kids in this same season of life (preschool – newborn through kindergarten). You may be armed with friends, but you won’t build your mom tribe, until you arm yourself with mother’s who are living this same season with you. Leaky boob milk on your shirt, a kid with backwards shorts or an inside out shirt, or that might even be you, if we’re being honest. So, stop trying to do it by yourself. Come meet us!

Today, we’ll be at First Avenue Park giving out popsicles and answering all your questions. Come see us and grab some free swag from Monkey Joe’s Newnan, if you can swing on-time-ish. We’d love to meet you and make room for you at our table this year!