Dear moms who are feeling all of the feels during this back-to-school season,

I know.  I am well aware that the aisles in the store are way too close together while shopping for supplies.  I can tell you that I've heard the same whining from my kids when I tell them that they can't have the fancy spiral notebook with the cool design.  The plain one in the solid color is going to do the same job.  You and I both know that.  Our kids...they still aren't understanding that a $4.00 notebook just ain't happening when a .15 cent notebook will do exactly the same thing.  And yes, I have dug to the bottom of every single box of spiral notebooks to find the last red one in stock, because that color was required by the teacher for math class.  Why?  I'll never know but by goodness, I will look inside every box until I find a red one.

And I may have just reminded you right now that school is starting next week and you forgot that supplies might be a thing.  #SorryAboutThat  Don't worry!  I haven't gone back-to-school shopping yet for my boys either.  #NotLying

I see your Facebook posts and how frustrated you are with the "communication" for your kids' class.  School hasn't even started yet but I've had my fill of notifications and messages already.  A few of my kids' classes already have homework assigned and let me tell you, the freak out happened in my house when that showed up and I was NOT expecting that before school started.  We had cookies for supper that night and it's fine, everything is fine.

✂️ And then we have the opposite.  Nothing.  Nada.  School is less than a week away and you have no idea what is going on.  You've got a Kindergartener who is brand new to the whole concept of school and you are a first-time mom.  I was an emotional wreck when my baby went off on her first day and you honestly have every right as a mom to be worked up.  This is your baby and you've never done this before.  The process is a bit on the confusing side normally but throw in a pandemic and, well, that's where we are today.  #BigVirtualHugsForYou ...and another one.  And yes, you can cry. right now 

Moms that have kids with IEP's and 504 plans, I see you too...and I'm also one of you.  I know you've already fought hard for your little one and it feels like that fight has started again, doesn't it.  There are so many days when I just want to pull the covers over my head and let someone else fight for a bit because I'm exhausted.  My words of encouragement for you are to find your circle of people that can help and let them be there by your side to help your child and you.  They are there, they just might be a bit overwhelmed right now too.  But know that others are rooting for your child and many of those are teachers and social workers who already know how amazing your baby is.  Lean on them for support and guidance.  But...this is big...so pay attention...remember those first times you were screaming and fighting to get someone to help your family?  Right now, there are a bunch of moms doing that on social media or sitting at home by themselves and not sure what to do next.  Keep your eyes and ears open for them because those moms might need to lean on you too.

Here' the thing...no matter where you are falling in all of the back-to-school flurry of emotions, know this...it is going to be ok.

I know it may not seem like that at this exact moment as we are packing masks in our kids' backpack.  But deep in my soul, I know that it is because we have some of the most amazing teachers and staff that are anxiously awaiting this school year and to be with all of our kids, teach them brand new things, and who want to see their faces - in person or virtually. ️

Moms, one last thing, please remember to take care of you.  How to do that...well, I've looked in all of the self-help books and "What to expect when your child _____" books and I will tell you that there isn't a real answer on how to do that.  You can take baths, drink wine, go for walks, scream, binge the entire season of 'The Office' on Netflix, it doesn't matter what you pick, but just make sure you do it with friends.  That's your circle.

I know it's tough to make friends as a mom.  But, you need them.  If you don't have them, I'm here.  You might have to reach out to me first because I don't know your name yet, but you can start by just introducing yourself to me in a message on my Facebook page - Jessica On The Radio. 

Now, delete a few pictures on your phone so you have room for a bunch on that first day of school.  And, if your high school kids who are virtually learning have a problem with that photo, you can just tell them that the lady on the radio said you had to.  #PutTheBlameOnMe

You go do you, be an amazing mom, and I'm here if you need me.

P.S.  If you missed it, one of my friends played a game with me on the Y-105FM Early Morning Show.  It's all about back-to-school shopping and it was pretty funny.  We talk about Target and Walmart a bit and...well, just check the clip below...

Listen to Jessica Williams weekdays from 6 am until 10 am on Y105FM's Early Morning Show with James Rabe and Jessica Williams.

KEEP READING: 10 Back-to-School Items Kids Must Have for Distance Learning

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