Evan: “Mom, please don’t happy cry too hard today”… my son clearly knows me well! We sent Ev off to a new school year with big energy! We are officially back to our early morning routines again. First day jitters never go away, I feel them so much as a parent now! A lot of firsts for him today. FIRST grade, first time in his new school, first time in a uniform, first time he asked for a protein smoothie for breakfast (!!). Keep scrolling for a few of our back to school must-haves.

There was no hand holding this year which really got me. I’ve said this before: so much of parenting is hanging on and letting go. It’s fulfilling and heartbreaking all at once, and oftentimes a reflection of our own past experiences; honoring the parts of our childhood that brought us joy, and navigating how to improve the parts we can do better.

Happy firsts to those of you experiencing them, even in more ways than school. It’s a new season of life, and I hope you take the time to honor yourself in all of it.

Back to School Favorites:

1. State Backpack
2. Planetbox Lunchbox
3. Water Bottle
4. Silicone Pouches (so handy for snacks)
5. Labelmaker